LANCASTER – Organizers for the Los Angeles County Air Show believe they’ve raised the bar in satisfaction for attendees as they continue to look for new ways to improve the experience.
Attendance for the 2015 Los Angeles County Air Show was approximately 70,000 for Saturday, March 21, and 65,000 for Sunday, March 22, according to Executive Director Dennis Dunbar, who emphasized that the numbers are only estimates at this point.
He said attendance was more spread out this year compared to last year’s air show, which drew 26,000 attendees on Friday, March 21, 2014, and 77,000 attendees on Saturday, March 22, 2014. Dunbar noted that last year’s air show was limited to a Friday and Saturday schedule to work around the Blue Angels’ schedule for their performance at NASCAR.
“As we predicted, more people in total made it out for a pleasant experience and exciting event, and it wasn’t too packed,” he said, noting that the air show will work to accommodate more people on the airfield next time around.
![Representatives of Highland High School's Robotics Team & Engineering Club, Paul Ajodha and Michael Shaffer, inform kids and parents at the air show's STEM exhibits about their school's Pathway to Engineering Program program. [JIM WINBURN]](https://www.theavtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Air-show-wrap-up-3.jpg)
“Bringing economic impact to the community is one thing, but you can’t count the number of kids who are inspired by the air show,” Dunbar said.
The prospect of educational assistance is appealing to Highland Tech Dogs Paul Ajodha and Michael Shaffer, who were at the air show representing the school’s Robotics Team & Engineering Club.
The two worked the weekend informing kids and parents about opportunities in engineering and digital electronics as part of Project Lead The Way’s Pathway to Engineering Program.
Paul said the technological atmosphere of the air show would hopefully open people’s minds to appreciate the value of his school’s program as much as he does.
“I feel very optimistic about my future because of PLTW, and the program is a great opportunity toward a career in engineering,” he said. “I am very confident about the progress I’m making, while looking at some prestigious colleges to attend.”
Michael said their presence in the STEM area at the air show may have generated interest in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. “We’ve been talking about the program, showing them flyers, and many people seem to really appreciate what we do in the program,” Michael said.
Dunbar also commented on how well this year’s performers and others “interacted with the crowd, especially the Thunderbird pilots and crew, making themselves so approachable to kids and enthusiasts.”
One such example was the Patriot Parachute Team. After performing from hundreds of feet above cheering fans on Fox Airfield, the former Navy SEALS landed on their feet to a warm reception from the crowds.
“It’s great to be part of the excitement and to hear how much people support you,” Patriot Parachute Team member and former Navy SEAL Justin Gonzales said, noting that he also enjoyed “a beautiful view of Los Angeles County from up there.”
Dunbar said that a percentage of the air show proceeds will benefit about 20 different local non-profit organizations, including Antelope Valley Blue Star Mothers, Quartz Hill High School Football Booster Club, Lancaster High School Marching Band, and various local ROTC programs.
Although air show organizers do not have this year’s revenue numbers, Dunbar did say that last year’s event brought in about $6 million or more to the local economy, including revenue for hotels, gas stations, restaurants, and other businesses.
“People come from all over the country,” he said. “And the majority of people attending the air show are not from here in the aerospace valley.”
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Previous related stories:
Readers’ photos: Thunderbirds in action and more at LA County Air Show!
Thunderbirds to demonstrate discipline of modern-day fighter aircraft at air show
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Deborah says
The Airshow was very nice! The only thing is the website to purchase tickets didn’t have specific information on seating. The volunteers in the parking lot couldn’t answer any questions.
The website was selling seating, but failed to say you have to bring your own chair. If you arrived without any chairs a vendor was selling chairs you can purchase for $10 for $30. Total rip off!!! I did have chairs but there was a lot of people standing who didn’t and they were very unhappy. Again show was nice, organization “FAIL”.
mrs watts says
MR ALVIS,
WHILE MANY MAY NEVER KNOW THIS,AND MANY MAY OR MAY NOT AGREE WITH ME…..BUT THIS TOWN HAS BEEN BLESSED BY YOU BEING IN IT!!FOR ALL THE YEARS I HAVE KNOWN YOU EVERYTHING YOU HAVE HAD A HAND IN IS ALWAYS About others NOT YOU .FEW HAVE THAT GIFT THESE DAYS.I JUST WANTED TO THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU HAVE DONE AND THE LIVES YOU HAVE MADE A DIFFERENCE IN,THERE ARE MANY!!
James Pratt says
Hello Lancaster! I came down from Fresno to cover the air show for Speedi Wings and Wheels online magazine (www.speedi.tv). Congratulations on a second successful show and what a show it was. Karen Strong and the gang really did it right. The Thunderbirds were great as were all of the other performers. The Friday night concert was a nice addition to the show and there were lots of folks there enjoying the Western music. Traffic in and out of the show was smooth despite the large attendance. People enjoyed the Budweiser Clydesdales. Chino Air Show brought some war birds. I plan to be back next year. The hospitality was great!
Bob Alvis says
The Antelope Valley was so lucky to have Dennis Dunbar come on board as the executive director of the LA County Air Show . His life long passion for aviation and putting on the best shows possible is the reason that in two short years we have a world class air show here in the Antelope Valley . In his interview this last weekend on the NBC nightly news you could see why he is such a great guy , “when he looks at his airshow he doesn’t watch the planes , he watches the faces of the kids in the crowd ” When he sees smiles and excitement he knows he’s done a great job ! We are really blessed for having Dennis and his great team of volunteers who put in thousands of hours to make this the stand out event in the Antelope Valley . In a very short time he has brought back the pride of we who call the aerospace valley home …
Gowchong says
Agreed Bob. Dennis is easy to work for and has a great sense of humor. By the way, Bob…I think you’re supposed to be on channel 1.
Mariann Hale says
The show was a wonderful experience. The performances, the music that was played during each event enhanced the performances , and the announcer was great. The parking was smooth for the numbers of people in attendance. I look forward to next year already .
jkpalmdale says
This was my very first air show. I decided to volunteer this year. It was an amazing experience on all levels. I was at all 3 days. If you have never been to an air show, I recommend coming next year and visiting us, here in the Aerospace Valley. Also if you are looking for a fun and hectic volunteer opportunity, you will have a wonderful time.
Gowchong says
Hey…the airshow was excellent again this year. Parking egress was trouble free compared to last year.
Next year the featured performers will be the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration team, the Blue Angels. I think they’re better than the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds, but then again, I’m a Sailor and prejudiced.
See you next year!
jkpalmdale says
Thank you for your service. The show was amazing. The Thunderbirds were breathtaking. I often said as many of the planes went zooming by, that is the sound of Freedom. Look forward to next years show.