SkyFest 2014

Spectators hold their hands on their hearts during the entrance of the Golden Knights while the National Anthem plays during SkyFest 2014 open house and air show at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 31, 2014. An estimated 150,000 people attended the two-day air show which included numerous static aircraft and demonstrations by the AF Thunderbirds and the Army Golden Knights. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes/Released)

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SkyFest 2014

Dan Buchanan performs during SkyFest 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 31, 2014. Buchanan suffered a spinal injury, losing his ability to walk in 1981, but has continued to enjoy his thrill of flying off mountain tops and performing at air shows across the world. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house, giving the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and our resources. The event typically draws more than 150,000 people. SkyFest 2008, headlined by the Blue Angels, was the largest event held in Spokane since the 1974 World’s Fair. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes/Released)

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SkyFest 2014

Senior Airman William Forde tandem jumps with the U.S. Army Parachute Team, “Golden Knights”, during SkyFest 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 31, 2014. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house, giving the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and the base’s resources. The event typically draws more than 150,000 people. SkyFest 2008, headlined by the Blue Angels, was the largest event held in Spokane since the 1974 World’s Fair. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes/Released)

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SkyFest 2014

A child reacts to the U.S. Army Parachute Team, “Golden Knights”, during SkyFest 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 31, 2014. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house, giving the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and the base’s resources. The event typically draws more than 150,000 people. SkyFest 2008, headlined by the Blue Angels, was the largest event held in Spokane since the 1974 World’s Fair. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Sean Tobin/Released)

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SkyFest

Service members and members from the local community walk off a C-5 Galaxy during SkyFest 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 31, 2014. SkyFest 2014 hosted more than 15 types of aircraft and static displays and more than 10 flying performers including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the U.S. Army Parachute Team, “Golden Knights.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Michael Means/Released)

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SkyFest 2014

Spectators watch the Thunderbirds segment of SkyFest 2014 at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., May 31, 2014. The performance was the final flying sequence of the day. The Thunderbirds have flown the F-16 Fighting Falcon since August 1982, more than half of the team's history. SkyFest is Fairchild’s air show and open house, giving the local and regional community the opportunity to view Airmen and our resources. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman/Released)

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SkyFest 2014 kicks off at Fairchild

Published May 31, 2014
By Staff Sgt. Veronica Montes
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- More than 125,000 people attended an airshow on Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., today.

Team Fairchild opened its gates at 9 a.m. to let people in to celebrate SkyFest 2014.

The air show kicked off with a patriotic performance by the U.S. Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights."

"Things are going phenomenal, we couldn't have planned for better weather," said Maj. Robert Aikman, SkyFest 2014 director. "The teams are performing wonderfully, the public is enjoying it, and the traffic is flowing. Everyone is working as a team to make it a success."

During the event, static displays and demonstrations were abundant for the crowd to enjoy.

"It's great," said Delbert Finn, a retired U.S. Navy veteran from Pasco, Wash. "I used to do air shows and this is fantastic. The people, displays and professionalism of the Airmen are all great."

More than 10 aerial performances took over the skies, finishing with a demonstration from the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

The 92nd Air Refueling Wing Commander Col. Brian Newberry thanked the crowd, the Airmen and the sponsors.

"Thank you Inland Northwest," he said. "You are all a red, white and blue community with a lilac heart that beats strong."

SkyFest 2014 is a two-day event and Aikman and the commander encourage everyone to come out for Sunday's show.

"Tomorrow, we are expecting the same weather," Aikman said. "We hope everyone who couldn't make it today can come out tomorrow and enjoy the show."