Opening season here in the Truckee-Tahoe region is deemed the start of summer! Following the fantastic 4th of July events, there continues to be more fun times for you to enjoy throughout our summer months!
One of the biggest events is the Truckee Air Show and Family Festival on July 23RD at the Truckee Tahoe Airport. Look high to the sky as Jets, Monoplanes, Bi-planes and more make breathtaking moves within the clear blues skies of the Sierra. Check out the schedule and super cool events within the spectacular Martis Valley – everyone loves the Air Show and there are wonderful exhibits for children too!
Re-established in 2011 after a 16-year hiatus, the Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival is produced by the Truckee Optimist Club, Truckee’s KidZone Museum, and the Truckee EAA local chapter 1073. Volunteers from these three nonprofit organizations are committed to giving back to their community and local youth in many ways. The Air Show gives them an opportunity to inspire youth to learn more about career and educational opportunities in aviation, aerospace, aeronautics, science, and technology. In 2018, the event earned the International Council of Air Shows (ICAS) Pinnacle Gold Award for Excellence in Emergency Response.
Contact Alison and the Elder Group team anytime for local event information – we’re specialists in the Truckee-Tahoe region!
Truckee Tahoe Airshow
Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the United States Airforce
(Photo by Mark Loper, Courtesy of Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival)
Touted as “one of the region’s most family-friendly events,” the Truckee Tahoe Air Show and Family Festival is one to put on your calendar and make plans to attend this must-not-miss full day of fun and education for all.
The mission of the Truckee Tahoe Air Show & Family Festival is to provide a free interactive, educational, and fun-filled, family-oriented aviation event for the Truckee North Tahoe region, with all proceeds going to local youth organizations, programs and scholarships.
The schedule is jam-packed with activities that include a ‘world-class airshow,” astounding aerobatic performers, rides in military aircraft (free for kids on the 24th of July), education activities and endless opportunities to be up close and personal to some of the finest aircraft and pilots in the business.
The Performers
(Photo courtesy of VickyBenzing.com)
As the “Fastest Woman Racer” in the history of the Reno Championship Air Races, Vicky Benzing’s daredevil tendencies have led to her prestigious respect throughout America. During the upcoming Air Show, Vicky will share her life-long passion for flying in her vintage 1940 450-horsepower open-cockpit, big red biplane.
Stealing the show and hearts of the crowd, Anna Serbinenko is one of Truckee’s favorite performers (in the sky!), and with good reason. Known as “The Sky Dancer,” Anna will entertain all as she “dances to classical music” in her Super Decathlon plane.
David Costa will soar his Polish TS-11 ISKRA military jet through the air with speed and grace at a rate of well over 400 mph! The ISKRA jet is a real rarity, as it has seen over 50 years of active military service, including combat.
Retire Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Rich Perkins is a former U-2 pilot, internationally known air show performer and an award-winning instructor pilot. His Italian-built Marchetti SF-260 is the ultimate aerobatic training aircraft, is FAA certified +6/-3 G’s and one of the biggest highlights in the sky.
A three-time World Champion and 30+ year air race competitor, Bob Freeman is a veteran in the business. He has established an extraordinary career and is a member of the U.S. Aerobatic Team. On Saturday, he will fly his converted Red Bill Racer, Extra 330C-N330RF, over the Truckee Meadows.
Static Aircraft Display
Time to get up close and personal! Take time to walk and talk with the owners of some of the most modern and experimental aircraft in the skies today. Take note, too, of the history of the warbirds and other aeronautical artifacts on display throughout the day.
More Family Fun! ![]()
New this year is the Truckee Grocery Outlet STEM Expo. Stop in to explore the wonders Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Exhibitors will be on-site and offer a variety of interactive activities for kids of all ages.
Thanks to our friends at Truckee’s KidZone Museum, there is more to see and do than ever before. Located in a cool, shaded area, you are welcome to bring your low-back chairs and blankets to view the Air Show and let the kids play within the Zone filled with their favorite things to do. A list of activities is on the website.
Free Airplane Rides
Kids ages 8-17 should plan to stop by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) building to sign up for a free airplane ride with an EAA volunteer Young Eagles pilot on Sunday, July 24. For some kids, this flight might just change their lives, making them aspire to pursue an educational and/or career path in aviation.
American Flag
Get your tickets now to listen to Colonel Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson – The last living World War II Triple Ace Fighter Pilot – share some stories in a personal presentation in the Airport Board Room. You might want to wish him a Happy Birthday as he celebrated 100 years of a very honorable life in January.
Leave a Reply