All Systems Go for Air Show

Blue Angels, rare B-29 among highlights

Tom Giffey |

THINGS ARE LOOKING UP. Top attractions at the Chippewa Valley Air Show on June 16-17 include the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels (top) and “Doc,” one of only two World War II B-29 bombers that still flies.
THINGS ARE LOOKING UP. Top attractions at the Chippewa Valley Air Show on June 16-17 include the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels (top) and “Doc,” one of only two World War II B-29 bombers that still flies (below). IMAGE: Carolyn Tiry

In terms of air traffic, EAU is no MSP, let alone JFK or LAX. But for one summer weekend every few years, the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport (that’s EAU to those of you who are familiar with three-letter airport codes) is a hive of aeronautic activity thanks to the Chippewa Valley Air Show. Tens of thousands of visitors are expected to attend the June 16-17 show, oohing and aahing over thrilling performances in the air and unique displays on the ground.

“We basically build a whole city out there on the ground.” – Tim Olson, one of the organizers of the Chippewa Valley Air Show

While a three-letter description of the event at EAU could easily be “FUN,” bringing the air show into reality is a ton of hard work for scores of volunteers. Some have been involved in local air shows for decades, including Tim Olson, who serves as vice president of special initiatives for the Chippewa Valley Council of Boy Scouts of America, which sponsors the air show and provides much of the necessary manpower.

“We basically build a whole city out there on the ground,” said Olson, who has helped with the air show since 1983. This summer’s event will be the 13th air show at the airport since 1976. This year – as they were back in ’76 – the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels are among the show’s biggest draws. The roar of the F/A-18 Hornets flying maneuvers over the city on the Thursday before the air show is an unmistakable reminder to the community that it won’t be just a typical summer weekend in Eau Claire. The Blue Angels have an affinity for Eau Claire: Twice in recent years (including in 2015, the last time there was a show in Eau Claire) the Blue Angels have chosen the Chippewa Valley Air Show as their “Air Show of the Year” for its high level of organization, success, and safety.

Whats's up, Doc?
Whats's up, Doc? IMAGE: U.S. Air Force

But the close-quarters maneuvers of the Blue Angels won’t be the only attraction at the show. Other performers include Wings of Blue, the U.S. Air Force Skydiving Team; the Air Combat Command F-16 Demonstration Team; the Shockwave Jet Truck; and John Klatt Airshows’ Screamin’ Sasquatch (an acrobatic biplane outfitted with a jet engine) – and that’s just the beginning. For Olson, the top draw is one of the static displays: “Doc,” a fully restored B-29 Superfortress from World War II – one of only two of its kind that still is still airworthy. Visitors will also be able to get a close look at a B-25 bomber, a T-6 Texan trainer aircraft, and even a Soviet tank.

Fittingly enough for an event with so may military components, it takes a small army to pull off the air show. About 75 people serve on committees dealing with everything from admissions to promotion to air operations. While the Boy Scouts are the primary sponsors, about 40 other civic groups help out by working at concession stands, gates, parking lots, and more. About 800 Boys Scouts and adults camp out at the airport during the show, and they have the opportunity to meet some of the military personnel who perform at the show.

THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. The 2018 Chippewa Valley Air Show is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport on June 16-17 – as long as the skies are free of rain.
THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. The 2018 Chippewa Valley Air Show is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors to the Chippewa Valley Regional Airport on June 16-17 – as long as the skies are free of rain. IMAGE: Jesse Johnson

While the main attractions are in the air, some of the most noteworthy new parts of the 2018 air show will be on the ground. For the first time, attendees will be able to purchase Presidents Club tickets, which will give them front-line, tent-covered seating with complimentary food and beverages. (Tickets for reserved seats at the front of the crowd are also available for purchase.) While the main event is Saturday and Sunday, a free meet-and-greet with some of the performers, including the Blue Angels, will be 7:15-8:15pm at Holiday Inn South, 4751 Owen Ayres Court.

During the last air show, in 2015, 40,000 people attended on Saturday and 25,000 on Sunday. This year, Olson said, “We expect to have good crowds, but you never know what you’re going to get for weather.” Keep your fingers crossed that the Blue Angels will be greeted by blue skies.

Chippewa Valley Air Show • Saturday-Sunday, June 16-17 • noon-4:30pm • Chippewa Valley Regional Airport, 3800 Starr Ave., Eau Claire • general admission: $30 in advance, $40 at the gate (age 12 and under free) • $60 per day reserved seats, $125 per day Presidents Club seats • (715) 832-6671 • Chippewa Valley Air Show on Facebook • chippewavalleyairshow.com