AirFest fills final lineup slots

By Thomas V. Bona

BusinessRockford.com

PAST COVERAGE
April 24: AirFest to feature F-22 Raptor
May 22: 'Harrier Jump Jet' joins AirFest lineup
June 23: 3rd performer added for AirFest
July 8: Navy, stealth bomber to join AirFest '09

BUY TICKETS
At Rockford airport's Web site

VIDEO
Air Force video touts F-22's capabilities
F-22 offers latest in stealth technology
F-22As on Air Combat Command's Web site

ROCKFORD — The full lineup for AirFest 2009 on Aug. 22 and 23 was announced today.

A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Hornet strike fighter demonstration team will perform, along with the U.S. Navy Legacy Flight, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight and civilian aerobatic teams the Firebirds Delta Team, The Collaborators and Sean Tucker’s Team Oracle and Dave Dacy’s Wingwalkers. Rich’s Incredible Pyro will make a return performance.

They join a previously announced headlining F-22A Raptor fighter jet, the AV-8 Harrier II (the so-called “Harrier Jump Jet”), The U.S. Navy Leap Frogs parachute team, civilian team the Aerostars and Bill Stein’s Edge 540. Also, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber will do a fly-by on Aug. 22 only.

The show is at Chicago Rockford International Airport.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 and free for children younger than 6 at the gate on the day of the performances.

The next 5,000 tickets to be sold, though, will be discounted to $7 for adults and $2 per kids.

These tickets can be bought at the airport’s terminal or administration building from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday until July 24 or while supplies last.

Tickets also may be bought and downloaded online at flyrfd.com/airfest_tickets.html for a $2 convenience fee per ticket.

An F-22A Raptor will perform at only six air shows in the world this year, airport Executive Director Bob O’Brien said.

“In addition to performing, another F-22 will be on static display, under armed guard, so people can have the opportunity to take pictures of this classified aircraft,” O’Brien said.

Airport officials also named Joe Marino, who is known for organizing Rockford’s Fourth of July 4 fireworks, as AirFest’s honorary chairman.

“Joe, as many know, has given unselfishly to his hometown, Rockford, and our nation as well for most of his 82 years,” said Mike Dunn, chairman of the Greater Rockford Airport Authority board of commissioners. “He is a legend, and someone worthy of honor and emulation,”

Staff writer Thomas V. Bona may be contacted at 815-987-1343 or tbona@rrstar.com.