It’s a weekend filled with breathtaking aerial stunts, roaring jet trucks, fireworks and activities for fun seekers of all ages. The Great Georgia Airshow is returning to Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field in Peachtree City, Oct. 11-12 with a new line-up that promises to dazzle, entertain and inspire aviation enthusiasts and future aviators, engineers and scientists. The weekend kicks-off Oct. 11 at 9 a.m. when the gates open to begin the day airshow. At 5 p.m. on Saturday, the fun continues when the gates reopen for the second annual night show that includes a jet truck and fireworks.
The roster includes some of the most highly regarded performers in the air show community. Joining the 2014 show will be the nationally renowned Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Doug Mathews with his F-86/T-33, the always hilarious Otto the Helicopter and Vertigo Airshows, a jet glider.
New for this year, Redline Airshows and Julie Clark. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing will again parade its fleet of meticulously restored World War II-era aircraft, while Vietnam War-era helicopters will be provided by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
Thanks to a reputation as one of the best air shows in the region, the show was named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Association, but organizers believe the best is yet to come.
“75 percent of the performers are new to the show” said air show director Angie Faulise “and we have totally reinvented our program so there are a wider range of activities and experiences, including a night show on Saturday a KidsZone, fireworks, flight simulators and a variety of hospitality packages.”
Night shows are new to the air show circuit, but they already have proven to be extremely popular with spectators by combining precision flying with spotlights, strobes, illuminated smoke, a fireworks display and music to create a stunning experience. The night show begins at 6:30 p.m.
For thrill seekers, the show offers rides in warbirds, monster trucks, helicopters, a zip line, mechanical bull riding and while vendors of all types will be on hand for souvenir hunters.
The Great Georgia Airshow’s secret for success is that the event is a labor of love; organized, managed and staffed entirely this year by 300 unpaid volunteers who share a goal of celebrating aviation and serving the community.
GGAS benefits more than 40 area school and civic groups, as well as non-profit organizations, but it has also emerged as a boost to the local economy. In 2013, 25 groups raised $160,000 for their causes. The overall estimated economic impact from The Great Georgia Airshow was $4.2 million.
As a special thank you to America’s servicemen and women, admission to the 2014 Great Georgia Airshow is free to Active Duty Military in uniform.
“GGAS is without a doubt a premier aviation event with something for everyone” continued Faulise “but more importantly, we rally the community in support of many deserving groups and causes.”
To see a complete schedule of performers and activities or purchase advance tickets, visit the air show’s website at www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com.
Tickets can also be purchased at the gate. Parking is $10 in the Green Lots south of the airfield at Sany and Eaton-Cooper
