Welcomes The MiG-17 Jet, A-26 Invader And Nationally Renowned Performers

Returning to Durant, OK, the Take to the Skies AirFest brings an "edge of the seat" exciting Air Show and family festival to be held at the Durant Regional Airport–Eaker Field on Saturday, April 25th, presented by the Choctaw Casino Resort.

Take to the Skies AirFest promises to provide something for everyone in an action packed day of fun for the entire family! The event gates open at 10am and the Air Show begins at 2pm with a variety of aircraft performing dramatic flights and aerobatic performances, edge of your seat excitement for all! Mike “Spanky” Gallaway, announcer for the famous Red Bull Air Races and other prestigious events will have you jumping in excitement as he announces the show and he flies too.

Organizers are bringing back Randy Ball’s MiG-17 jet…feel that afterburner as he flies ground level in front of your eyes. The Trojan Phlyers Demo Team with their astounding warbird close formation aerobatics that will keep your heart pounding! Piloted by highly decorated combat veteran pilots demonstrating the flying expertise acquired in formal military training, the Trojan Phlyers demonstrate high speed action with the roar of the big engines as they fly their historic aircraft rich in military history in a unique and thrilling performance and salute the veterans or our great nation and the men and women who continue to serve and protect us today.

Justin Lewis returns in his Microjet, the world’s smallest jet! Blue Skies Parachute team will open the show and kick off a great line up of performers. New this year will be the WWII bomber the A-26 Invader Lady Liberty who will perform and carry riders as well as nationally renowned Jacquie “B” Warda who will tear up the sky in her Extra. This is just a sampling of our performers.

The event opens at 10:00am Saturday. Before and after the air show you will be entertained with a variety of aircraft including warbirds in static displays. Flights for the public will be available throughout the day in helicopters and historic warbirds.

The Kids’ Area has a variety of attractions for different ages. There are a lot of activities for all ages and Choctaw Nation cultural activities including a silent auction benefiting Choctaw Foster Children, dancing and music. So much to see and do!
 
“Shutik Isht Ia” is the Choctaw translation for “Take to the Skies”. Debby Standefer, President of the Take to the Skies AirFest, stated “we are very excited about this year’s show and also to promote the City of Durant and their beautiful airport as well as the unique opportunity to feature cultural information and education of the Choctaw Nation.” This will be the first Air Show of the season in Oklahoma and North Texas. Actually, this is not just an event; it is an experience that will affect all of your senses with something to offer every age. “We are thrilled to bring new performers every year, proud to honor our military and to celebrate Choctaw Country and the Choctaw Code Talkers.” Opening Ceremonies at the start of the air show will be action packed including Choctaw dancers and singers, honor guard, flybys, skydivers and more! Bring the entire family and involve them in the wonderful world of aviation. You will love it!
 
Durant, known as the City of Magnolias, is home to the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation and the Choctaw Casino and Resort with its AAA 4 Star rating. Come join for the AirFest and stay for the weekend! The airport boasts a beautiful terminal named after General Ira Eaker, an aviation pioneer and war hero. Lake Texoma, the 12th largest lake in the US is only 15 minutes away.

“The attendance this event garners not only locally, but from spectators throughout the state, Lake Texoma, North and East Texas and Dallas gives us the ability to showcase and promote our growing airport and the wonderful city of Durant while at the same time becoming an important revenue source for the city through lodging, retail and food sales in town through the weekend. We are proud to have the support and work with the great Choctaw Nation and the Choctaw Casino Resort, Durant Regional Airport-Eaker Field, the City of Durant and SOSU,” Debby Standefer said.
 
Online discounted tickets for the festival are only $8 for 13 and up, $5 kids 6-12, Seniors 65+ and military with ID. Kids under 5 free. Truly an experience and one you won’t soon forget, the Take to the Skies AirFest will take off Saturday April 25th 10am to 6pm. We’ll look forward to seeing you there!

(Images provided by Take to the Skies AirFest)

www.taketotheskiesairfest.com