SkyFest returns to Fairchild Published Feb. 13, 2014 By Airman 1st Class Sam Fogleman 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- SkyFest, Fairchild's signature air show, will make its return for the first time in four years here May 31 and June 1. The free two-day open house event will feature the Air Force Thunderbirds, and will also include the U.S. Army parachuting team The Golden Knights. The gates will open to the public at 9 a.m. both days, and flying events will begin at 12 p.m. "We are planning an amazing show with around four hours of flight time," said Maj. Robert Aikman, SkyFest 2014 director. "We will have classic warbirds and civilian performances that will be determined at a later date. There will be several static displays showcasing the different missions of the military." According to Aikman, regional anticipation of the event is expected to be high. Attendance is expected to be no fewer than 150,000. Since the air show is still in the planning phase, static displays and performances are still being coordinated. "Fairchild is proud to have been selected as one of four Air Mobility Command bases to host an Open House in 2014," Aikman said. "We are excited to showcase the capabilities of the Air Force and the professionalism of the military to the Inland Northwest. The community has been an outstanding supporter of Team Fairchild and its open houses for many years, and we look forward to this vital opportunity to maintain this relationship." Last year, SkyFest was canceled due to sequestration. "Fairchild enables Global Reach for America," said Col. Brian Newberry, 92nd Air Refueling Wing commander. "We are the world's most dominant Air Force and we own the high ground. Skyfest is an opportunity to show the patriotic citizens of the Inland Northwest how we do our business, how we Fuel Freedom to defend America. We couldn't accomplish our noble mission without the firm foundation of Spokane, so this is our opportunity to pass on our high fives and fly-bys, courtesy of the Air Force's premier demo team, the Thunderbirds. Smiles, cheers and thousands of families, that is the only price of admission!" For more information about SkyFest 2014, visit http://bit.ly/SkyFest.