Big names lined up for Vero Beach air show in October

VERO BEACH — The organizers of a new air show for the Vero Beach Municipal Airport have reeled in some big names for the event that will take off this October.

Todd Howder, president of the board of directors of the Vero Beach Air Show Inc., and his colleagues have lined up some impressive names for the Oct. 5-6 show. They include the Navy's F/A-18 Tactical Demonstration Team and the Army's Golden Knights Parachute Demonstration Team among other demonstrations and displays.

The 2014 show is expected to generate even more buzz when the Blue Angels fly into town. Show organizers switched the event's dates for 2014 to accommodate the popular military performers and will determine later whether to stay at that date or switch back to October for future shows.

More than 11 million spectators annually watch the high-performance team made up of Navy and Marine pilots.

Howder said organizers estimate a total of 50,000 to 60,000 people may attend the show this year and perhaps as many as 120,000 to 150,000 when the Blue Angels appear in 2014. Shows that have attracted crowds similar to the one expected this year have had an estimated economic impact of $2 million to $4 million, said Howder.

The air show, the first one held at the airport since 1995, is being organized by Vero Beach Air Show Inc., which was formed by the Vero Beach, Indian River and Treasure Coast Exchange Clubs. The group said its mission is to honor all people who have served in the military, create a friendly environment for military recruiting, provide wholesale, affordable family entertainment and promote aviation education.

Money raised will go to support the show, local veterans, and the Exchange Clubs in their mission to prevent child abuse.

Airport Director Eric Menger said the show was stopped in 1995 after it failed to turn a profit, but he said that show did not have the type of acts planned by the new organizers. He said Howder's group has brought in people with knowledge and experience in operating successful air shows.

"I think it's going to be bigger and more exciting," said Menger.

He also believes the group will be able to attract some big-name sponsors for the event. Howder said discussions are ongoing with sponsors, but was not ready to make any announcements at this time.

The show is estimated to cost $200,000 and in addition to sponsors, the organizers also will be lining up food and merchandise vendors for the event. In addition, there will be 20 to 30 volunteers needed for the committees overseeing the event and perhaps 250 to 400 other volunteers to work the show.

The Vero Beach Airport served as a naval base during the war and Menger said this may have played a part in attracting the Navy's flight teams to the Vero Beach shows.

"The Navy has a long history here and I think that was a big plus," said Menger.

The Vero Beach airport also will hold its annual Aviation Day on March 2 where people can tour the facility and obtain more information about the upcoming air show.

What to volunteer?

Vero Beach Air Show Inc. is looking for volunteers and sponsors interested in being a part of what the group hopes is an annual event at the Vero Beach Municipal Airport:

For sponsorship information, contact Todd Howder at todd@veroairshow.com or Anthony Samons at anthony@veroairshow.com.

Those interested in volunteering should contact Laurie Collings at info@veroairshow.com.
For the latest information on the show, go to www.VeroAirShow.com and https://www.facebook.com/VeroAirShow

Source:   http://www.tcpalm.com