Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival Replaced By Fall 'Aviation Day'

For the first time in its history, the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival has been cancelled for a second consecutive year. Organizers of the event said there was not enough time to plan for the show given its expanded focus.

The show had been tentatively set for June 28th, but the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport Advisory Board voted Wednesday to scrap its plans for the show. Board chair Craig Bohnsack said during the meeting that, in his opinion, it was not feasible to put on a "quality show" given the time constraints. The Southeast Missourian reports that the board did agree to hold an "aviation day" in the fall, to include hands-on displays and educational components for the public. Information about flight training and aviation careers are also being considered for the fall event

Airport manager Bruce Loy said the board did not want to put on a "substandard" show, and that it was better to wait. He said it was very likely that the Air Festival would return in 2013, and that planning for that show is already underway. He also said that money was a factor as well. The Air Festival generally costs between $125,000 and $150,000. The 2010 show brought in about $80,000 in sponsorships and gate receipts.

The show was first held in 1998. It was cancelled in both 2002 and 2009 due to financial considerations.

FMI: www.cityofcapegirardeau.org/CityHall/Airport-Advisory-Board.aspx