Labor Day Weekend Show No Longer Planned, Sequestration Cited As The Reason

The Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) announced Friday that plans for a re-scheduled Labor Day Weekend Rockford AirFest have not developed and therefore the event is being canceled. The cancellation is primarily due to the impact of the Federal Government Sequestration budget cuts on Department of Defense and corresponding support of air shows.

In March, the Undersecretary of Defense issued a memorandum stating: All aerial demonstrations, including flyovers, jump team demonstrations, and participation in civilian air shows and military open houses will cease as of April 1, 2013. "After our initial reschedule, the board and staff evaluated the possibility of putting on a show over Labor Day weekend and the decision was made that without the military support, a show could not be put on to the standard that our audience expected," said Mike Dunn, Executive Director at RFD.
 
"The board and staff at the airport would like to thank the community, volunteers, sponsors, and vendors for their continued support in this unfortunate situation. We are hopeful that the government can come to a resolution that will allow us to once again highlight the United States Military's finest at our airshow in 2014," said Dunn
 
For individuals seeking ticket refunds, RFD released the following information:

• Tickets purchased through the Airport or Culver's will be reimbursed with cash at the Greater Rockford Airport Authority (GRAA) Administration Office (60 Airport Drive). All tickets must be presented for refund by October 1, 2013 to receive reimbursement.
• Tickets purchased at Culver's, the Airport Main Terminal, or GRAA Administration Office can be returned for refund to the RFD Main Terminal at a special time Friday, June 14, 2013 from 5p.m. - 8 p.m. After Friday, tickets can be refunded at the GRAA Administration Office Monday - Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. For questions, please call 815-969-4000.
• Tickets purchased through BMO Harris Bank outlets will be refunded at the point of purchase.
• All tickets purchased through Ticketmaster online should have been refunded via chargeback to the credit or debit card used in the original transaction. Please contact Ticketmaster at 800-653-8000 for any questions about transactions made with Ticketmaster online or via phone.

FMI: www.flyrfd.com/