Local Hotels, Restaurants And Other Businesses See Boost From The Event

The China Lake (CA) Air Show provides an economic boost for the local economy according to economic and tourism leaders in the region.

The Ridgecrest, CA DAily Independent newspaper reports that the area’s largest hotels reported being at full occupancy, and local restaurants were packed during the two-day run of the show March 18-19. The U.S. Navy, which hosted and ran the air show, said that more than 50,000 people came through the gates at NWAS China Lake. While some people may have come twice, the attendance was still high, according to Doug Lueck, executive director of the Ridgecrest Area Visitors and Convention Bureau.

The area’s few RV parks were also booked solid, according to Lueck, and retail stores in general saw a boost in business. Local gas stations sold plenty of fuel as well, he said.

The China Lake Air Show featured the Blue Angels for the first time in 20 years. China Lake Commanding Officer Capt. Paul Dale said in a statement that the show was an “extreme success.”

“We are humbled and honored by the incredible attendance throughout the 2017 Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake Air Show weekend," Dale stated. "This Air Show was for you, for the community, it was our way of saying thank you for the tremendous support you give us every day."

"We take pride in the significant, ongoing relationship we share with the surrounding communities in the Indian Wells Valley. This community event was one small way of saying 'thank you' for your constant support of the base and our personnel. We are privileged to have called Ridgecrest and the Indian Wells Valley home for nearly 75 years and we look forward to being here for many more.”

(Image from file)

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