Great air show

Spectators who braved heat advisories to attend the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival last weekend were not disappointed. The lineup of aerial displays was first-rate. Comments about the show were enthusiastic.

The 16,000 people who attended the show got front-row seats, but so did hundreds of others who took advantage of parking lots near the airport. Air show fans sought relief from the blistering sun and temperatures hovering near 100 degrees under umbrellas and tents. Many watched the aerial displays from their air-conditioned cars.

Still others were treated to glimpses of the air show as the various aircraft circled the surrounding area.

As with any large event, moving 16,000 people in and out of a venue with one entrance presents its own set of problems. Festival organizers arranged for off-site parking with shuttle service. Long waits early on appeared to be resolved. Complaints about not being able to take water to the show were offset by volunteers who provided towels soaked in ice water. Both the parking and water issues will certainly get special attention before any future air shows.

Everyone connected with this year's event deserves a hearty round of thanks for doing a great job.

Go to semissourian.com to see video by photographer Fred Lynch and great submitted photos of the air show.