Annual Fly-In and Air Show Soars into Town

The 47th Annual Fly-In and Air Show will soar into town Friday through Labor Day Weekend at the Watsonville Municipal Airport, and there's an array of events packed into the three-day affair.

The event, established in 1964, was created to help educate the public about aviation history and to support local charities and nonprofit organizations. This year, event proceeds will go to organizations like the Pajaro Valley Historical Association, said Theo Wiedsma, executive director for the Fly-In and Air Show.

Wiedsma said this is the second time the air show has taken place over Labor Day weekend, after previously being a Memorial Day celebration.

“Last year we had it on Labor Day instead of Memorial Day weekend, and it was one of the most successful years,” Wiedsma said. “Chances for good weather are better in early September than in the end of May. We're always fighting heavy fog on Memorial Day weekend.”

With temperatures in the high 60s predicted Friday through Monday, event attendees don't need to worry about missing any of the events this weekend, which include an assortment of activities for people of all ages.

Event attendees should expect to see around 300 antique, classic and neoclassic aircrafts, as well as warbirds and military displays. Attendees can also take a helicopter or airplane ride with the sounds of DJ-style music below, along with plenty of food vendors and an antique car show on Saturday.

“We've had a car show before, but it was limited," Wiedsma said. "This time we anticipate around 200 antique cars to show up.” 

With so many activities taking place, attendees might want to pick and choose their events carefully. Below is a list of a few event highlights:

Friday:

• Spaghetti dinner, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the National Guard Armory on the corner of Aviation Road and Airport Boulevard. The spaghetti sauce is made by Watsonville resident, Peter Kavacich, and is supposed to be out of this world. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for children from 6-12. Dinner proceeds support the Girl Scouts. Call 831-818-8967 to reserve tickets.

• The air show is 6:30-8 p.m. Planes will soar through the air above the Watsonville airport. All the pilots performing dazzling tricks can be read about here.

Saturday and Sunday:

• The Antique Car Show will be from 9 a.m to 5 p.m. Stroll along Aviation Road and view around 200 antique cars.

• The air show will be noon to 4 p.m. at the National Guard Armory. Aircraft judging will conclude at 1 p.m., and winners will be announced at the Pilot's Dinner & Awards Presentation from 6-9 p.m. There will be 20-25 categories of judging. The pilot awarded as grand champion is considered the best of the best, and the image of the pilot's plane will be featured as the event logo next year. There will also be special awards given for oldest pilot, youngest pilot, longest distance flown and best display. Tickets for the Pilot's Dinner and Award Presentation are $16 for adults and $10 for kids.

Where: Watsonville Municipal Airport, 370 Airport Blvd.
When: Labor Day Weekend 

Tickets are $15 for adults, or $35 for a three-day pass; $10 for children ages 6-12 and free for kids under 6 years old. Parking is $5, and there's a shuttle available from the auto parking ticket entrance to the vendor area on airport grounds. Pets aren't allowed.

 For more information call 831-763-5600.