The sky's the limit

The mix of cutting-edge aviation technology, aerobatics and classic warplanes brought 10,000 to 12,000 people to the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival over the weekend.

"This year we had our biggest Saturday and Sunday ever, making it our biggest festival ever," said airport manager Bruce Loy. "We really tried for a good variety this year. The new technology was really popular, and so were the old warbirds."

This was the first air festival in Cape Girardeau in two years, last year's being canceled because of the downtown in the economy after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.The festival, titled "Heroes & Legends," featured performances by top-of-the-line modern combat aircraft like the Air Force's F-16 Flying Falcon and the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet, as well as the tight maneuvers of the Lima Lima Flight Team and a pyrotechnic bombing display by World War II-era planes.

Loy said there was a fantastic response from the community this year.

"There seems to be a renewed sense of patriotism in this country with all the things that have been going on since 9/11," Loy said. "Air shows everywhere are seeing their attendance go up because people have become interested in the military."

Because of America's current military commitments, some of the larger aircraft displays, like the Chinook helicopter, are nearly impossible to bring to the festival, Loy said. Many of those aircraft are currently being used in places like Iraq and Afghanistan.

In addition to airborne displays, the festival also featured plenty of ground attractions, such as the Federal Express 727, which was open for tours.

The Air Force, Navy, Army Reserve and other military groups also had displays set up at the festival, and people had a chance to look inside a troop transport at the Army Reserve tent. There was also a display of replica WWII weapons, vehicles and uniforms and a tent that offered a chance to ride in a biplane or helicopter.

But for most people at the festival it was the action in the air that grabbed their attention.

"The F-16 is definitely my favorite," said Janet Moses of Cape Girardeau. "The show has been very exciting, even though it's a little louder than I expected."

Ed Hicks, a member of the Lima Lima Flight Team, said that the festival seemed to be a great success.

"There's been a nice flow of people over the three days," said Hicks. "They're enjoying themselves, and the kids are really enjoying it. That's how you can tell it's a good show -- when the kids are having a good time."

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 226