Air Show at Stewart International Again Delights Crowds & Bonds Community

Full Thrust Bring WOWs from the Crowds

Airborne Perfection

Something about the Orange County Air Show brings a little magic to Orange County. Maybe it's that we never lose the childlike amazement about being able to fly. After all, it's not that long ago that Wilbur and Orville Wright took the "I sure wish I could do that" that just about everyone feels while watching birds fly, and turned it into a reality. The joy and excitement of it never gets old. In fact, the Air Show was the talk of the Town in Orange County on both Saturday and Sunday, especially after bringing it back to its home at Stewart Field this year aftert moving it during and after the pandemic. What makes it even more fun, since seat and special viewing tickets are expensive, is that there are some beautiful fields, meadows and a pond just outside of the gates where some families go the old-fashioned route, spread a blanket and have a picnic. They may miss having a few of the specialty planes and helicopters fly right over their heads, but the viewing is still spectacular.

Image Courtesy of Reporter & Photographer Bill Geist

Several of our Courier Journal readers are strong fans of the Air Show, and while I am not well versed in the many technical names of the specialty flights, they assisted with a few, and some, like the spectacular that can hover relatively quietly over your head and then speed away like a bat outta 'well you know' where these new helicopter techniques can make the difference during lifesaving and battle maneuvers.

Up close - Take a personal look or even a ride!

Yup... Upside Down

Slinky for a soft landing?

County Exec, Steve Neuhaus, was in his glory. With his love of and leadership in military, first responder and emergency management, it's no wonder that the smile on his face at the Event is probably the happiest of his year. And talk about a busy day! When he wasn't on the stage speaking, chatting with all of the service members and administrators, he was chatting with the thousands of attendees and enjoying the show with his 2 young sons. As a Naval Officer, a County Executive, and a father ... what could be better than a great event like this, and one that brings attendees from all parts of society to Orange County.

County Executive, Steve Neuhaus

Just about the perfect weather for an Air Show, Summer mid-temps with a hint of Fall breeze kept the crowds comfortable. Orange County Sheriff, Paul Arteta, and his Department were kept incredibly busy during the Event, as was Emergency Services. See their FB page for a close view, and how proud and happy the teams were to see their colleagues and have the Air Show be such a huge success.

Much appreciation to the attendees who provided all of these awesome images, including Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Sheriff's Office, Ed Frampton, JanetSmiley and Bill Geist!