Mayor Says The City Cannot Afford To Host The Show

The Mayor of Gary, IN has issued a statement saying that the Gary Airshow, planned for July 9-10, has been cancelled.

The Navy's Blue Angels and the Army's Golden Knights had been confirmed to perform at the show, but other slots were still open when the deadline for performers to commit to the show passed Monday. 

In a statement, Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson (pictured) said the decision was based on economics.

"The Gary Airshow is one of the most exciting events in Northwest Indiana. It is also an opportunity to provide recreational opportunities for residents and show off two of our greatest jewels, the Gary Chicago Airport and Marquette Park," she said in a statement. 

"Notwithstanding these and other positive benefits, the risk inherent in incurring a $350,000 debt without having secured all of the sponsors cannot be justified under our current financial conditions. 

"Our first job is to be a good stewards and our team has determined that we cannot afford to host the Gary Air show. We know that a fully sponsored show is attainable and we will begin immediately to work on making that happen."

Freeman-Wilson said it is her hope that the air show can be revived in 2018.

(Official Photo)

FMI: www.gary.in.us/city-departments/mayor.asp, gary-airshow.com