Dayton937

Things to do in Dayton | Restaurants, Theatre, Music and More

dayton air show

Dayton Air Show Announces New Acts for 2023

By

Today air show officials announced the return of the U.S. Army Golden Knights and two new acts that will join the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds for the 2023 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger. The Red Bull Helicopter and MiG-17F Jet Demo will be part of the 48th annual show on July 22 and 23 at the Dayton International Airport.

The Golden Knights, the Army’s official demonstration team, will thrill spectators with their intricate canopy work along with skydiving formations and landings that require extreme precision. Formed in 1959 and based in Ft. Bragg, North Carolina, these Ambassadors of the Army represent the skill and professionalism of U.S. soldiers serving all over the world. The 12-member team will travel to Dayton in their C-147A aircraft which will also serve as their jump aircraft. The Golden Knights last appeared in Dayton in 2022.

A 5,300 lbs. helicopter flying upside down? A piece of cake for the Red Bull Helicopter, a MBB BO-105C flown by Aaron Fitzgerald. The multipurpose light twin-engine German helicopter has flexible maneuverability and a fast-climbing performance that allows for rollovers and backflips to keep the audience on their toes. It’s the only helicopter fit for aerobatics to this day. The Red Bull Helicopter last appeared in Dayton in 2011.

The MiG-17F was the primary enemy aircraft during the Vietnam War. Up until the F-16 fighter jets entered service, it was the tightest-turning fighter in the world. The MiG-17F can maintain tight 8G turns and speeds up to 715 mph, climbing to 30,000 feet in only three minutes. It’s one of only a handful of vintage flying jets flying in North America. Pilot Randy Ball, one of North America’s premier jet demonstration pilots has performed in more than 1,500 performances. The MiG-17F last appeared in Dayton in 2013.

“We’re so pleased to continue to bring such phenomenal performers to our 2023 shows to give adults and children alike an unforgettable experience,” said Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the show. “We’re looking forward to continue adding elite performers to our lineup.”

Air show officials plan to announce more exciting attractions to the air and ground show over the coming months. Tickets are available for purchase online. Beginning mid-summer 2023, discount general admission tickets can be conveniently purchased at over 100 area Kroger stores in the Dayton/Cincinnati region. For more information, visit the show’s website at www.daytonairshow.com.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels Fly in Monday

By

The world-renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels will appear at the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger on July 30th and 31st. 2022 marks the 47th year for the show, a premier event held annually at the Dayton International Airport.

Two crew members from the famed U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron are scheduled to land at Dayton International Airport on Monday, November 29th, for a preseason visit to finalize site, airspace and other details for the 2022 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show.

Dayton is one of the select venues where the Blue Angels will fly in 2022. The Blues have been thrilling audiences for more than 60 years. The team flies six powerful Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet fighters during their tightly choreographed, high-energy demonstration — sometimes flying as little as 18 inches apart.

Blue Angel #1, Capt. Brian “Boss” Kesselring, will lead the 110-member squadron in 2022. 60 members of the team will travel to Dayton to stage the show on July 30th and 31st. The Blues last performed at Dayton in 2018. They were scheduled to perform in 2020, but the show was canceled due to COVID-19.

Last appearing in Dayton in 2018, the Blues have been thrilling audiences for over 70 years. 2022 will be a special year for the Blues and Dayton fans. It will be the first year the team will be flying the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft in Dayton.

The Blue Angels are well known for flying their six fighter jets in a tightly choreographed, high-energy demonstration – sometimes flying as little as 18 inches apart and speeds up to 700 MPH.
Dayton fans will be in for a treat and will clearly notice (and hear) the upgrade to the Super Hornets.

The 110-member squadron will be led by Commander Brian “Boss” Kesselring flying lead in Blue Angel #1. Sixty members of the team will travel to Dayton to stage the show.

Air show officials also announced today the addition of the amazing TORA! TORA! TORA, the emotional reenactment of the December 7, 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. This amazing Commemorative Air Force production features eight Japanese replica fighter/bomber aircraft with spectacular pyrotechnics simulating bombing runs. It is truly a living history lesson concluding with President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s memorable address to the nation. A crowd favorite, Tora is a phenomenal presentation that will be enjoyed by young and old alike.

 

“The Blue Angels, Tora! Tora! Tora! and Kevin Coleman…what a fantastic start to our 2022 show lineup,” stated Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, the governing organization of the show. “We can’t wait for next summer and really look forward to seeing the Blues fly the Super Hornet. What a great show we’ll have in 2022. Our fans are going to love it,” he added.

Air show officials indicate additional attractions to the 2022 show will be announced in the months ahead.

Dayton Air Show Ready For Takeoff!

By

Headlined by the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the 2021 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger will launch its 46th annual show next weekend on July 10th and 11th at the Dayton International Airport. The Thunderbirds will be joined by other military favorites in the air including, the U.S. Navy Super Hornet and Legacy Flight demonstration team, the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III demonstration team and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team.

The 2021 show is back to its normal format and will feature many other top attractions and ground displays. Here’s a glimpse of the feature show flying attractions spectators will see at Dayton’s premier summer event:

  • AeroShell Aerobatic Team – This award-winning formation team will remind you of yesteryear when they thrill spectators with their four, 600-horsepower, radial engine T-6 Texan aerobatic routine.
  • Mike Wiskus – Watch this National Aerobatic Champion’s incredible performance in his Lucas Oil highly-modified Pitts aircraft “Super Stinker”. If you can believe it, he bought the aircraft on eBay as a wrecked airplane.
  • Jacquie B…Ladies, it’s Time to Fly – See this accomplished female aerobatic pilot put her Extra 300S aircraft through the paces. She spends time inspiring children to do great things. Go girl!
  • Shockwave – Powered by three afterburning jet engines producing 36,000 HP, Shockwave is the Guinness Book world-record holder for the fastest jet truck in the world at 376 MPH. Fans love it!

There will also be plenty to see and do on the ground:

  • Impressive aircraft displays – Tour over 50 aircraft from modern military to historic to unique civilian airplanes such as the massive Air Force KC-10 tanker, the Navy F-18 Super Hornet fighter, the Navy MH 60 Blackhawk helicopter, carrier-based Navy E-2D Hawkeye, and the oldest flying DC-3 Flagship Detroit and more.
  • Meet and greet the members of the U.S. military – Let the men and women of our military show you the impressive aircraft and equipment they use to protect our freedom. It’s a great opportunity to thank them for their service to our country.
  • Fun for the entire family including the CenterPoint Energy Kids’ Hangar, along with interactive activities and displays. Don’t miss out on the delicious food, beverages and souvenirs for your special day.at one of the greatest air shows in the country.“What an awesome show we have for you in 2021,” said Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the United States Air and Trade Show Board of Trustees, producers of the show. “It’s so great to be back. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the City of Dayton, City of Vandalia, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, all the sponsors, volunteers, and fans for making the show possible. “This would not be possible without all of you, and we look forward to a sensational weekend,” he added.

    2021 CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger tickets include the popular Pavilion and Blue Sky Chalet specialty seating options and the bargain Synchrony Family Four Packs and are now on sale at the show’s website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers enjoy convenient print-at-home or print-to-mobile options on all website purchases.

    Deep discount general admission tickets are also available for purchase at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton and Cincinnati region.

 

Vectren Dayton Air Show lands two “BIG” Air Force Demonstrations

By

C-17 Globemaster III Flight Demonstration

The United States Air Force has confirmed it will add a C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker flight demonstration to the 2019 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger lineup. The 45th annual show will be held on June 22nd and 23rd at the Dayton International Airport. The aircraft will perform separately and together, a first for the Dayton premier summer event.

The massive Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is the newest and one of the largest aircrafts in the Air Force inventory. Weighing in at a maximum takeoff weight of 585,000 pounds and flying as fast as 590 mph the 200-foot-long C-17 will show off its impressive aerial capability. The C-17’s primary mission is to transport equipment, supplies and troops around the world. Dayton’s Wright-Patterson AFB is the home base for the 445th Airlift Wing that flies C-17’s. The aircraft last performed an aerial demonstration at Dayton in 2010.

The KC-135 Stratotanker is the core aerial refueling aircraft for the United States Air Force and has excelled in this role for more than 60 years. This large aerial tanker provides the U.S. Air Force capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach. It provides aerial refueling support to all Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps aircraft. The KC-135 weighs 322,500 pounds. The heavy refueler flies at a speed of 530 mph. The KC-135 has never performed an aerial demonstration at Dayton.

KC-135 Stratotanker Flight Demonstration

The demo aircraft and crews will be traveling to Dayton from the 97th Air Mobility Wing, Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The C-17 and KC-135 will also both be on display so spectators will have an opportunity to tour them and talk with the flight crews. They promise to be a big hit with air show fans.

“We are pleased to announce these two big additions to the 2019 show lineup” stated Scott Buchanan, Chairman of the USATS Board of Trustees. “The C-17 is a hometown aircraft. To see it fly at the show alongside the KC-135 will be awesome.” he added.

The Air Force C-17 and KC-135 will join a host of other top attractions previously announced including the world-renowned U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights, British Sea Harrier, GEICO Skytypers, Jacquie B Aerobatics, Team Oracle, Shockwave Jet Truck and Skip Stewart Aerobatics. Air show officials plan to announce other aircraft that will fly and appear on static display during the 2019 feature show in the months ahead.

June 22nd and 23rd at the Dayton International Airport 2019 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger tickets including the popular Pavilion and Blue Sky Chalet specialty seating options and bargain Synchrony Family Four Packs are now on sale at the show’s website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can enjoy print-at-home or print-to-mobile options available for website purchases.

Beginning May 13, 2019 customers can conveniently purchase discount general admission tickets at area Kroger stores. This Kroger exclusive offers $3.00 off adult and children tickets at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton/Cincinnati region. Kroger discount tickets are good for either Saturday, June 22nd or Sunday, June  23rd admission.

Thunderbirds visit Wright Brothers’ Sites, Ride WW II Bomber

By

Members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds jet team toured Wright brothers’ sites and flew in a World War II bomber Tuesday and Wednesday while in the area for the Vectren Dayton Air Show.

several members of the Thunderbirds with CAM pilots Eric Shiffer and Bill Weidenhammer. NAHA photo by Tim Gaffney

An earlier-than-usual arrival at Dayton International Airport for the air show taking place this weekend gave the 65-member team some free time. Pilots and several others took advantage of the break  to explore the rich aviation heritage of the National Aviation Heritage Area, culminating Wednesday afternoon in flights on one on of the vintage World War II bombers scheduled to fly in the air show.
A group of approximately 30 Thunderbirds took turns taking familiarization flights on the Champaign Aviation Museum’s B-25 bomber Champaign Gal Wednesday afternoon at historic Grimes Field Airport in Urbana. The twin-engine, bomber can carry six passengers at a time.
On Tuesday and Wednesday, Thunderbirds members visited units of the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, including the Wright-Dunbar Interpretive Center and the Wright Cycle Co.; Aviation Trail Inc.’s Parachute Museum; Dayton History’s Wright Brothers Aviation Center in Carillon Historical Park; Hawthorn Hill, the Wright family mansion in Oakwood, the National Aviation Hall of Fame and the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.
The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA), the congressionally chartered nonprofit management entity for the heritage area, coordinated the tours with its heritage partners.
“This is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to show one of our premier military jet teams the aviation heritage in our heritage area,” said Tony Sculimbrene, NAHA executive director.
About NAHA
The National Aviation Heritage Alliance (NAHA) is a nonprofit chartered by Congress in 2004 as the management entity for the National Aviation Heritage Area, a region of national historical importance encompassing Montgomery, Greene, Miami, Clark, Warren, Champaign, Shelby, and Auglaize counties. The Heritage Area is one of 49 National Heritage Areas in a program administrated by the National Park Service, and the only one dedicated to aviation heritage. Visit aviationheritagearea.org for more information.

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Hosts Family Day and Makes Air Show Parking Easier

By Leave a Comment

Whirlybirds

Family Day: Whirlybirds

June 21

10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Celebrate the anniversary of the first flight of the world’s first practical helicopter by learning about the aircraft that can go backwards, forwards, spin and even hover in place during Family Day from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. on June 21at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. Visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123413234 for more information.

Dayton Air Show park and ride

June 28-29

Those who want to take an easy route to the Vectren Dayton Air Show may park and ride from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. RTA shuttle buses will run to and from the museum, dropping off riders at the air show main gate from 7 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. on June 28-29. Visit http://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123414168 for more information.

Connect with the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force! Visit our Virtual Tour, become a fan of the museum on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or receive the latest news by subscribing to an RSS feed.

Jane’s Best Bets (7/20 – 7/24)

By Leave a Comment

Photo Credit: Alli Shillito

As you may have figured out, in the summer, Dayton is a hot place to be…in more ways than one!  So get your hot self out of the house, take the air conditioned car, and enjoy some of these fun events, as things will be buzzing!

On Wednesday, enjoy $5 Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill.  Wear your green and watch the Dragons play the Peoria Chiefs at Fifth Third Field.  Or wear your tap shoes and head to Archer’s in Centerville for their A.Y.O.B. where they will be “tapping” a new beer.  And in Kettering, watch The Fries Band as they put on a wonderful (and free!) show at the Fraze Pavilion.

On Thursday, take your kids out to Cooper Park for Story Hour, which is sponsored by Five Rivers MetroParks and the Dayton Metro Library.  Enjoy a performance by the Muse Machine as well as a delicious lunch at the Dayton Woman’s Club.  If you work downtown, then consider heading to Courthouse Square during your lunch hour for The Square Is Where… McGovern Ceili Dancers.  At El Rancho Grande, enjoy 1/2 price Ladies Night.  Or sing your heart out at Champps for Karaoke Thursday.

On Friday, head to RiverScape for their Try Kayaking event, which is completely free!  If you’re a kayaking newbie, it’s definitely something worth checking out.  At Victoria Theatre, enjoy their Michelob Ultra Cool Film Series where the movie One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will be shown.  If you’re frequently late, be sure to arrive early this time to enjoy the Cool Film Series Beer Tasting!  At Oregon Express, enjoy Half-Price Happy Hour Pizzas, which are absolutely delicious.  It’s mid-summer, so consider watching A Midsummer Night’s Dream presented by Free Shakespeare at Antioch Amphitheater.  Or watch ‘The Sound of Music’ at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  And if you’re a macho man and would prefer to be at a sporting event, then head to Fifth-Third Field as the Dragons take on the Peoria Chiefs.

On Saturday, you will not want to miss the annual Dayton Air Show.  If you enjoyed learning about kayaking and didn’t flip out like I did when I went kayaking the last time (literally!), then consider renting a kayak at RiverScape and Ride the River.  Take the entire family to the Warren County “Fair” if you appreciate equality.  At the Dayton Art Institute, they will be having Sound Bites: Short Talks About Art.  One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest will still be shown as part of the Michelob Ultra Cool Films Series at Victoria Theatre.  Again, they will have the Cool Films Series Beer Tasting prior to the show.  Please don’t drink too much beforehand or you may actually feel like you’re going cuckoo during the movie.  If you would rather catch a live performance, then check out ‘The Sound of Music’at Epiphany Lutheran Church.  Join Noah and two of each kind of animal at RiverScape as part of their Free Summer Concert Series featuring The Ark Band.  And if you don’t feel like things are buzzing around town, then you’ll just have to go over to Fifth Third Field to see the Dragons take on the Burlington Bees.

On Sunday, you will still be able to enjoy the Dayton Air Show.  At Antoich Amphitheater, watch A Midsummer Night’s Dream…just don’t fall asleep because that would be rude.  You can also listen to music at Miamisburg’s Riverfront Park with their Pizzazz in the Park Concert Series featuring Phat Like Dad or at Centerville’s Stubbs Amphitheater as The Lebanon Grand Opry House Band will be performing.  And finally, don’t miss your opportunity to get a buzz at Fifth Third Field as the Dragons once again play the Burlington Bees…with some buzzing really going on at the plaza as part of their Charity Cuts!

And now it’s time for the Dumb Joke of the Week. Drum roll please…

Where does a bee sit?  On his bee-hind.

These are just a few best bets from the DMM Calendar.  There are plenty more events listed there, so if you haven’t, I encourage you to check it out today!  Also, if you have an event to share or promote, please submit it– it’s great marketing and better yet, it’s FREE!  And finally, if you have a dumb joke to share, I’m all ears!

Have a great week Dayton!

2010 Aviation Heritage Speakers Series: Dayton’s Air Show History

By Leave a Comment

dayton-air-show-1The annual Dayton Air Show took off in 1975, but air shows and flying exhibitions in Dayton go back 100 years to the Wright Company’s exhibition team, which trained at Huffman Prairie and made its flying debut at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in June 1910.

Aviation writer Timothy R. Gaffney will discuss Dayton’s air show history and highlight past major Dayton aviation shows, including national military shows and a national women’s air race. It all takes place at the Engineers Club, Wednesday, March 17, 7:00 pm.

Gaffney_tightMr. Gaffney is a former Dayton Daily News aviation writer, publisher of AviationDayton.com, and author of Dayton Air Show: A Photographic Celebration, which features photos by Dayton Daily News photographer Ty Greenlees.

The Aviation Heritage Speaker Series offers the public a variety of speakers addressing topics related to aviation history through engaging discussion and first-hand accounts.

All programs are on Wednesdays, 7:00 p.m. at the Engineers Club, 110 East Monument Avenue, Dayton, Ohio. These events are free and open to the public.