Week of Midwest Aviation: Cape Girardeau Airshow Attracts Top Performers, Large Crowd

By Carmelo Turdo

The 2016 Cape Girardeau, MO Airshow set a high standard for mid-sized, Midwest Aviation events, offering all three Canadian Forces demonstration teams, civilian performers and static displays to this southeast Missouri community.  This year's airshow was on Wednesday, May 11, rather than the usual Friday evening, to accommodate the Canadian Forces Snowbirds who put the Cape Girardeau Airshow on their schedule prior to arriving at the Spirit of St. Louis Airshow last weekend.  Along with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the aerial entertainment lineup also included the other Canadian Forces teams, the Skyhawks Parachute Team and CF-18 Hornet Demonstration Team.  The U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, Redline Aerobatic Team, and Paul Stender's School Time Jet Bus also performed in afternoon and evening shows.  Air Force Reserve A-10 Thunderbolt II attack jets from Whiteman AFB were on static display, and Dream Big Entertainment provided their A-7 Corsair II cockpit for visitor photo opportunities.  A contingent of veterans were transported to the airport from the local Missouri Veterans Home and introduced to the audience to great applause.          

The Aero Experience was there on Wednesday before the gates opened and throughout the afternoon and evening shows.  We will provide a series of posts highlighting the various performers and activities, beginning with this overview.  We wish to thank the airport management, staff, volunteers and all who contributed to making this year's airshow a great success!