AirFest Performers & Static Displays

Below is a list of military and civilian performers that are scheduled to appear at this year's AirFest. In addition to the show in the air, AirFest will also feature a stellar show on the ground with a wide variety of static displays and activities for kids and families to enjoy. The Thunderbirds will be the last act to perform on Saturday and Sunday (starting sometime between 2:30 - 3:30pm). Due to scheduling changes, a complete schedule of the performances will not be published.

Military Performers

• USAF Thunderbirds: Celebrating their 55th year of air show demonstrations, watch in amazement as this world-famous Thunderbirds jet team performs over Rockford.
• US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team: The Golden Knights return for their fourth visit to AirFest performing
• USAF A-10 West Demo Team
• USN F/A-18C Hornet East Demo
• USN Legacy Flight
• KC 135 Stratotanker

Civilian Performers

• AeroShell Aerobatic Team
• Angel 7 Aero Volochody L-39
• Susan Dacy
• Vanguard Squadron
• Lima Lima Aerobatic Team
• Bill Stein's Edge 540
• Speed For Hire Dodge Ram Truck & Jet Outhouse
• P-51 Mustang
• Melrose Pyrotechnics
• Rich's Incredible Pyro

 

Static Displays

• CV - 22 Osprey
• USAF F-16 Falcon
• USAF -38 Talon
• USAF B-52 Superfortress
• USAF E-3 Sentry
• USAF A-10 Warthog
• USAF C-130 Hercules
• USN - P-3 Orion
• USN T-44 Pegasus
• USN T-45 Goshawk
• USN E-2 Hawkeye
• USN C-2 Greyhound
• USMC C-12 Huron
• UPS B747-400F
• OV-1 Mohawk
• KC-135 Stratotanker
• L-39 Albatross
• T-28 Trojan
• T-6 Texan
• T-33 Shooting Star
• P-51 "American Beauty"
• BAC 167 Strikemaster
• DC-3
• FedEX Airbus A-300
• Canadian Air Force C-17
• DHL DC-9
• Cessna Citation
• Southern Skyways DC-9
• Coast Guard HH-65 Dolphin Helicopter
• Civil Air Patrol GA-8
• OSF Lifeline Helicopter
• Law Enforcement Aviation Coalition Helicopter
• Experimental Aircraft Association
• Rock Valley Radio Controlled Flyers

 

Other Show Highlights

• Stepping Stones to Aviation (Kids' Pedal Planes)
• Kids' Fun Area:
  • Mobile Mountain Rock Climbing Wall
  • Power Jump
  • Space Shuttle Slide
  • Jolly Jumping Jet
  • Space Camp Combo
  • Obstacle Course
  • Jet Slide
  • Thunderbirds Bounce House
• Discovery Center Museum Exhibit "Outreach to Space"
  • Meet NASA Astronaut Robert Satcher Jr. from 10am - Noon at this exhibit on Saturday, June 7th
• The Tebala Birds - Miniature F-16 Fighter Plane Replicas
• Rockford Fire Department's Safety Fest
• Budweiser Clydesdales - Come out to RFD on Wednesday, June 4th from 5:30 - 7:30pm for a pre-show viewing of the Clydesdales. They will be hitched in the parking lot located across the street from the Main Terminal. Click Here for details!

Note: Acts and static displays may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time without notice due to weather conditions, performer or aircraft availablilty.

 

Budweiser Clydesdales: Coming to AirFest        

In addition to a stellar show in the air, AirFest organizers are working hard to enhance this year’s “ground show” by adding exhibits and other displays including the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales. The Clydesdales’ appearance is one of 300 made annually by the five traveling hitches. Standing at 18 hands high (about 6 feet) at the shoulder when fully mature, Budweiser Clydesdales weigh approximately 2,000 pounds. A gentle temperament also is important, as hitch horses meet millions of people each year. AirFest attendees will have the opportunity to see the Clydesdales up close and watch them as they participate in AirFest’s Opening Ceremony each day. Check back later for information on the exact location of where the Clydesdales will be located during AirFest. Stop out to RFD on Wednesday, June 4th for a public viewing of the Clydesdales from 5:30 - 7:30pm.

___________________________________________________________

 

Meet NASA Astronaut Robert L. Satcher Jr.

Saturday, June 7, 2008        

The Astronaut Appearances Office (AAO) receives thousands of requests each year, and very few of these requests can be accommodated due to the number of Shuttle flights and support of the International Space Station. Through assistance provided by Congressman Don Manzullo, AirFest was fortunate to secure a visit from Astronaut Robert L. Satcher, Jr. who will be at the Discovery Center’s “Outreach to Space” Exhibit from 10am – Noon on Saturday, June 7th. AirFest attendees are invited to stop by the exhibit to meet and greet Astronaut Satcher and to get their photo taken with this NASA astronaut. For additional information visit: www.jsc.nasa.gov.

 

______________________________________________________________

 

Herb Hunter, Air Show Announcer

Welcome Back Herb Hunter! Announcer Herb Hunter returns to AirFest 2008 to provide "play by play" about what is going on in the air and on the ground over AirFest 2008 weekend. Herb utilizes his many years of experience as a military pilot and captain for one of the major airlines in his role as the "Voice of Rockford AirFest 2008." Herb's knowledge of flying and enthusiasm behind the microphone are just a few reasons why he is one of the top air show announcers in the country. We are thrilled to have Herb return to Rockford for a fourth year!

Note: Acts and static displays may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time without notice due to weather conditions, performer or aircraft availablilty.