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RICK GERSHMANGrounded after 9/11, the MacDill exhibition goes full throttle this weekend to awe spectators and even make a few grown men cry.
TAMPA - Not many events rate a spot on Wallace Harrison's wall calendar.
Family birthdays, sure. Major medical appointments, check. His anniversary, indeed - not that he needs the reminder, he said, but "it makes the wife feel better to see it up there."
That's about it, as the Plant City retiree prefers a quiet life. But every year since Harrison moved to Florida in 1991, his calendar has noted the AirFest at Tampa's MacDill Air Force Base. Harrison often attended with his wife, Roberta, and on occasion with their children and grandchildren.
"It really takes you back like nothing else," said the Navy veteran, who served for a time on an aircraft carrier. "You just leave there feeling so proud, so connected with our whole country."
That spot on Harrison's calendar was bare for the past two years: MacDill officials canceled AirFest, citing security concerns, in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Now it's back, still free and open to the public. This Saturday and Sunday are circled in red on Harrison's SpongeBob SquarePants calendar, a gift from granddaughter Maeve, 11.
Harrison, 62, plans to be at MacDill all weekend, along with Maeve and other family members.
"I know I'll get hell for saying this, but damned if I don't cry every time I'm there. And I know I will again," he said. "And to tell the truth it kind of upsets the kids when I do that, but I can't help it and it's not that I'm upset, you know. I'm proud, and it hits you really hard. Sometimes the kids cry, too."
AirFest had been one of the state's most popular air shows since it debuted in 1987, drawing at least 500,000 people each year, said MacDill spokeswoman 2nd Lt. Erin Dorrance. Before 1987, far shorter air shows were held every other year at MacDill. Estimated attendance at the most recent AirFests topped 750,000.
Officials said they're bringing the show back this year after careful consideration.
"Since the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, and our involvement in the global war on terrorism, MacDill has remained in a heightened state of security vigilance," said wing commander Brig. Gen. David "Tanker" Snyder. "The decision to have our first air show since April 2001 was made only after we could ensure that we will have ample security in place to protect the general public, government resources and our people."
On top of being wildly popular, the show gives MacDill the chance for a little show-and-tell.
"We are looking forward to showing this wonderfully supportive community what makes their U.S. Air Force and armed forces the best in the world. This is our way of thanking the community for its great history of supporting (the) base," Snyder said.
Security measures will make this event a little different.
"While we look forward to hosting our friends and neighbors from throughout the bay area during AirFest '04, base visitors should expect enhanced security procedures. As a matter of longstanding policy, we cannot discuss further details about our security measures."
The Blue Angels squadron from Pensacola Naval Air Station will be the featured act. The seven Angels pilots will perform maneuvers at 3 p.m. each day. But 16 teams comprising more than 50 aircraft will perform throughout each day, and a plethora of aircraft will be on display on the ground. The B2 flying wing bomber will appear only on Saturday.
Gates open at 8 a.m., and attendees are advised to arrive early. Security checks at the gates take time, and once all the parking spots are full, no one else will be admitted.
Attendees can expect searches and other precautions. (Please see accompanying story for security and entrance procedures.) Wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. Though it's a short drive from Plant City, Harrison said he plans to have his crew packed up in the Astrovan and "ready to roll by 0600" Saturday, lest they miss any of the proceedings.
The national anthem is played just past 9 a.m., and Harrison wouldn't miss it for the world.
"I don't care how many times you hear it before the ballgame," he said. "It's always different there. I always get a lump in the throat."
And maybe cry a little?
"Yeah, probably," he said. "But I'm a big guy, so that's okay."