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Diversions

Airborne again

After a year off, MacDill's Airfest returns, featuring the Blue Angels precision flying team and a lot more.

By Marty Clear
Published March 29, 2007

The Navy’s Blue Angels flying team thrills Airfest crowds on alternate years, switching off with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds.
	[Times photo: Skip O’Rourke (2004)]

TAMPA

She has served in Iraq, Kuwait and Afghanistan, but Tech. Sgt. Victoria Meyer says one of her most unpleasant duties took place at her desk at MacDill Air Force Base.

She had to tell hundreds of callers last year that Airfest was grounded.

"People come from all over," said Meyer, a public affairs specialist for the base. "They start calling around the beginning of the year. They say, 'Are you going to have it this year? When is it?' "

Yes, Airfest is on. It's Saturday and Sunday.

The massive air show and open house draws hundreds of thousands of people to the base for aerial exhibitions, interactive displays and a general celebration of America's military.

It was an annual event, but it has been sporadic since the 9/11 terror attacks and the war in Iraq, going on hiatus in 2002 and 2003. It was back in 2004 and 2005.

But last year, Airfest was canceled because "our operations profile was just too high," Meyer said. That essentially means that the people at MacDill had too much going on to deal with a huge air show.

But Airfest officials aren't worried about lost momentum. They're expecting about 300,000 people over the weekend.

They'll be treated to two full days of entertainment in the sky and on the ground.

Up above, the highlight is the Blue Angels, probably the world's most famous precision flying team. The Angels, who are Navy pilots, appear in alternate Airfests. When they aren't there, their Air Force counterparts, the Thunderbirds, entertain Airfest crowds.

But to get the most out of Airfest, you'll want to take your eyes off the sky at least occasionally. There's lots of cool stuff on the ground, including modern and historic military aircraft and something called the Virtual Army Experience, which simulates the excitement of military life.

It's all free, except for food, drinks and souvenirs.

Airfest officials are expecting huge crowds, so Meyer advises arriving early. The gates on the southern end of Dale Mabry Highway and MacDill Avenue open at 8 a.m. When the parking lots are filled, no more cars can come in, but you'll be able to park elsewhere and walk in.

Another option is to take the Hartline No. 4 bus from Britton Plaza on S Dale Mabry, just south of Euclid Avenue.

Since Airfest takes place on an Air Force base, security concerns are more intense than they would be on private property. Coolers, large tote bags and backpacks and, of course, weapons are prohibited. Everyone is subject to being searched.

Lawn chairs or blankets are good ideas if you're planning on watching the skies for extended periods. So are sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.

As for when the next Airfest will be, Meyer says that's up in the air.

"That's decided every year, and it's decided by the commander," she said. "This is the fun part coming up, and we'll start thinking about next year after the fun part's over."

Marty Clear can be reached at mclear@tampabay.rr.com.

Airfest takes off

MacDill Air Force Base Airfest, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the base in Tampa. Free and open to the public. (813) 828-7469 or www.myairfest.com.

[Last modified March 28, 2007, 09:59:10]