James Clements Airport Aviation Weekend 2003

Thousands enjoy Bay City's first local air show in years.

June 3, 2003
By: Stephen Kent

Thousands of locals turned out on Sunday, June 1 to enjoy Bay City's first air show in many years. The weekend long event was sponsired by the Valley Aero Club and James Clements Airport as a celebration of 100 years of flying.

As a local show at a small airport, the weekend was reminicient of the glory days of barnstorming pilots and old fashioned air shows. Years ago an air show was publicized by pilots buzzing the town. Everyone knew what that meant and headed for the airport. Flying was sport on the very edge in those days.



The modern, large scale air show is exciting but it's not the same as the local show. At Clements Airport you could really feel the excitement. The aerobatic planes taxied within yards of the crowd. The show seemed to be right in your lap. It was great fun and very exciting.

Besides the aerobatic demonstrations on Sunday afternoon, the weekendfeatured static aircraft displays, airport open house, helicopters, model airplanes, airplane rides, skydivers, antique cars, and a Boy Scout Camporee. It was a well organized and well presented show. Fun for all!