PEACHTREE CITY, GA (September 25, 2013) – It’s a weekend filled with breathtaking aerial stunts, roaring jet trucks, rock concerts, fireworks and activities for fun seekers of all ages. The Great Georgia Airshow (GGAS) will return to Atlanta Regional Airport-Falcon Field, Peachtree City, GA, October 11-13, 2013 with a new line-up that promises to dazzle, entertain and inspire aviation enthusiasts and future aviators, engineers and scientists. The weekend will kick-off Friday, Oct. 11th at 3pm when the gates open for the first ever night show that includes a concert and fireworks.
The GGAS roster includes some of the most highly regarded performers in the air show community. Joining the 2013 show will be the all female Misty Blues parachute team, the nationally renowned the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Rower Airshows, always hilarious Alabama Boys and Vertigo Airshows, an aerobatic glider. The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing will again parade its fleet of meticulously restored World War II-era aircraft.
The Commemorative Air Force was founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft which were flown by all military services of the United States, and selected aircraft of other nations, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans.
The Dixie Wing was approved as the 83rd CAF unit on February 28, 1987, and has since displayed its collection of vintage World War II aircraft in numerous air shows throughout the Southeast. The wing is a non-profit, tax-exempt “flying museum” that depends on contributions of time and funds to carry out its mission.
The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation will bring its Viet Nam War-era helicopters will be provided by the Army Aviation Heritage Foundation.
Thanks to a reputation as one of the best air shows in region, GGAS was named a Top 20 Event by the Southeastern Tourism Association, but organizers believe the best is yet to come.
“75% of the performers are new to the show” said Air Show Director Angie Faulise “and we have totally reinvented our program so there are a wider range of activities and experiences, including a night show on Friday, a KidsZone, concerts, fireworks, flight simulators and a variety of hospitality packages.”
Night shows are new to the air show circuit, but they already have proven to be extremely popular with spectators by combining precision flying with spot lights, strobes, illuminated smoke, a fireworks display and music to create a stunning experience. The GGAS Friday Night Show will begin at 6:30pm.
For thrill seekers, GGAS offers rides in warbirds, trucks, helicopters, hot air balloons, a zip line and a wind tunnel. Aerospace organizations will be sharing info about careers in aviation and vendors of all types will be on hand for souvenir hunters.
The fresh approach has already paid off, with more nearly 12,000 tickets presold to date, setting the stage for a record breaking crowd.
GGAS concerts include performances by Madison Rising and Bombshells United.
Country, to Rock, to 80’s covers, and everything in between.
Madison Rising is a rock band that performs guitar-heavy rock music with an explicitly patriotic pro-American message and sound. In 2012, the band partnered with the National Anthem Celebration Foundation to educate the public on the importance of the “Star Spangled Banner”. They released a reworked version with “more energy and a modern take.” Said Dave Bray, the band’s leader and a U.S. Navy veteran: “We’ve re-worked it in an absolutely unique way, but staying as true and respectful to the original version as possible.”
The track has since exceeded 4.4 million hits on YouTube.
Bombshells United, is a female trio that reprise standards made famous during the Big Band-era. They will perform in Camp Dixie, an area that features U.S. military living history displays and restored vehicles from the Georgia Military Vehicle Preservation Association.
The Great Georgia Airshow’s secret for success is the event is a labor of love, organized, managed and staffed entirely this year by 300 unpaid volunteers who share a goal of celebrating aviation and serving the community.
GGAS benefits more than 40 area school and civic groups, as well as non-profit organizations, but it has also emerged as a boost to the local economy. In 2010, an impact study indicated that the financial value to Fayette County economy due to the business activity generated by the preparation for and staging of the event was $637,653, and $1,130,417 for the increased sales with Fayette County businesses.
As a special thank you to America’s servicemen and women, admission to the 2013 Great Georgia Airshow is free to Active Duty Military in uniform.
“GGAS is without a doubt a premier aviation event with something for everyone” continued Faulise “but more importantly, we rally the community in support of many deserving groups and causes.”
To see a complete schedule of performers and activities or purchase advance tickets, visit the air show website. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate. Parking is $5-$10 per vehicle, depending on proximity to the airport (cash only please). www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.
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THE GREAT GEORGIA AIRSHOW (GGAS) is produced by The Great Georgia Airshow, Inc. a 501(C)3 nonprofit corporation governed by a Board of Directors that include representatives from the Commemorative Air Force, Dixie Wing, http://www.dixiewing.org/, the Peachtree City Airport Authority, http://kffc.org/ and members from the community. Local non-profit groups, scouting, and school groups generate funds for their organizations by purchasing food items from the Air Show and then retailing those items in food booths to our patrons. GGAS endeavors to maximize the benefits of the Air Show to the local community. The GGAS is a grassroots event using more than 250 volunteers during the three-day show. www.thegreatgeorgiaairshow.com
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