Sept. 17 event features air entertainment, displays, food trucks and inflatables
Don Franklin Family of Dealerships will once again be the presenting sponsor of the Lake Cumberland Air Show, joining 30 other local businesses and organizations contributing to provide a day full of family fun for the community in the event’s second year.
The air show — a partnership between the Lake Cumberland Regional Airport, the Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA) and the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce — will light up the skies Saturday, Sept. 17.
The event will feature music, food, and a robust lineup of air and runway entertainment. Luke Carrico — an air show announcer who has announced for some of the largest aerial events around the world — will once again help organize and emcee.
Gates will open at 10 a.m. with displays of vintage military aircraft and civilian airplanes, helicopter rides, inflatables for kids, music and nine food trucks. The air show begins at 12:30 p.m. and features performances from aircraft like the Mikoyan Gurevich Mig-17 jet, the P-40 Warhawk “American Dream”, Greg Koontz Airshows, Brian Correll, and Air Corps Aerobatics. The City of Somerset will offer its water trailer for families to refill water bottles during the event.
In its first year, the air show attracted more than 5,000 spectators and put the spotlight on the community’s regional airport and thriving aviation industry.
Given the incredible success of the first event, SPEDA President and CEO Chris Girdler said it is wonderful to see so many of last year’s sponsors return and so many new businesses sign on. This day full of family friendly fun is available for $10 per person in advance and $15 per person at the gate, an incredible value for the ticket price, Girdler said.
“The support just keeps pouring in from our residents, businesses and community organizations, and we are so grateful for it and humbled to receive it,” Girdler said. “Don Franklin Family of Dealerships is an outstanding partner and we’re thrilled they’ve signed on as the presenting sponsor for the second year. We are in full planning mode for September’s event and can’t wait to see the smiles on everyone’s faces as they watch the sky light up with air entertainment and enjoy a day full of activities for the entire family.”
Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bobby Clue echoed the air show’s value to the community.
“We’ve received nothing but incredible feedback from the thousands of people who attended last year’s air show, and we’ve taken that feedback to heart in planning the second annual event,” Clue said. “I expect this year’s event to be bigger and better, with even more value for attendees.”
Lake Cumberland Regional Airport Manager Kellie Baker said she is excited to once again have the spotlight on the region’s premier aviation facility while offering family friendly entertainment for the community.
“With so much to see in the air and so many fun activities on the ground, there really isn’t a better way to spend your Saturday in Somerset,” Baker said. “We love showcasing our beautiful airport to the community and can’t wait to welcome back the thousands of people who attended last year and enjoyed hours of fantastic air entertainment.”
Designated, free parking will be available in multiple locations, including Coca-Cola, CoreTrans, American Standard Brands and Penske. Shuttle service from these parking locations is available, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, but only those that are fully collapsible will be allowed on shuttle buses. No backpacks, coolers or outside food will be allowed on the air show grounds.
Admission to the Lake Cumberland Air Show is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate, and children 6 and younger are admitted free. To purchase tickets and view a full list of sponsors, the event schedule, parking instructions and entertainment highlights, visit lakecumberlandairshow.com.