ABILENE, Texas — UPDATE (May 19): The Big Country AirFest 2022, scheduled for May 21, has been canceled.
On the event's Facebook page, organizer said, "Hello Everyone! We are Sad to announce today that we are having to cancel Airfest 2022. There are multiple factors surrounding the fires south of town that would make it difficult for the show to proceed. As well more and more of the airport is being used for other equipment that the fire services is bringing in.
We hope everyone stays safe! We will see y'all next year!"
ORIGINAL STORY (May 18): “Flying for Freedom” is the theme for the Dyess Big Country AirFest 2022 scheduled for Saturday on the west side of Abilene Regional Airport (off Loop 322, near TSTC and FedEx).
“The ability for AirFest attendees to purchase a flight on a vintage aircraft was so popular in years past, we have a new selection of flight aircraft for 2022” Steve Krazer, 2022 AirFest Chair, said in a press release.
Aircraft on which attendees will be able to purchase flights include: a World War II era B-25 bomber and an early 50s T-34 trainer.
According to an AirFest press release, for the first time ever, the event will host three World War II era fighter aircraft during the same show: a P-40 Warhawk, a P-51 Mustang and one of the only existing P-63 King Cobras. All will be are scheduled to perform demonstrations.
The AirFest is a volunteer collaboration between members of the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 471, Dyess Air Force Base, the 12th Armored Museum the Civil Air Patrol, Abilene Regional Airport and sponsors, lead this year by the Boeing Company and Northrop Grumman.
In addition to the B-25, this year’s AirFest will feature a performance by Ron Cain in a de Havilland Chipmunk, aerial demonstrations by a Dyess B-1B bomber, a C-130J cargo aircraft, the P-40, P-51 and P-63 fighters as well as aircraft from the WASP Museum. Local Experimental Aircraft Association members will demonstrate aircraft they have recently completed building with their own two hands and a whole lot of determination. There will be static displays ranging from warbirds to experimental aircraft, a C-130J from Dyess and a significant 12th Armored Division Museum display.
The AirFest gate will open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the day. Air show activities will launch at noon with a two-ship B-1B flyover.
For more information go to bigcountryairfest.org.
