Buckeye news . . .

Jan. 17, 2013
For Immediate Release

Contact: Bob Bushner
623-209-9947 (cell)

Buckeye Air Fair 2013 to Highlight Leading Aerospace Science, Technology Expo, Vintage and Modern Aircraft, Loads of Fun Things for Entire Family

Buckeye, Ariz. (Jan. 17, 2013) – The Town of Buckeye’s Air Fair 2013 on Saturday, Feb. 23, will be like no other airshow in the history of the Buckeye Municipal Airport on the town’s west side.

Of course, there will be loads of vintage and modern aircraft on display as in past air fairs attended annually by thousands of people, as well as a K-9 demonstration by Buckeye police, a Mustang Warbird flight simulator, a driving simulator, remote control plane and sky-diving demonstrations and fee-based helicopter and bi-plane rides.

But this year, more than a dozen national and regional agencies will join local groups in a first-ever aerospace exhibition, including

• Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, in existence since 1894 and known for discovering the planet Pluto and more recently commissioning the $40 million Discovery Channel telescope.

• Challenger Space Center, the only Arizona museum dedicated to space and simulated international space station living much like the one orbiting the earth today.

• “The Spirit of St. Louis Exhibit,” a traveling exposition of the aircraft flown by Charles Lindberg when he crossed the Atlantic Ocean on May 20-21, 1927, and Donald A. Hall, the man who designed the aircraft.

In addition, other groups participating in this year’s expo include the Arizona Science Center, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, the Lauridsen Aviation Museum, the NASA Center for Math & Science and representatives from pilot development organizations.
There will a Kids Zone jammed full of fun for the young visitors, including seven bounce houses, a treasure hunt and face painting, and, for a few, kiddy train rides and tethered hot air balloon rides.

A full class car and motorcycle show will be held on the airport groups, and dance team, cheerleaders and bagpipe music will be performed on the Main Stage. There will also be several other informational exhibits featuring solar power and Town of Buckeye programs and services.

This year’s Air Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Buckeye Municipal Airport, one mile south of Interstate 10 on Palo Verde Road. There will be free admission and free parking.

For more information about all the Buckeye Air Fair 2013 activities, visit the website at www.buckeyeairfair.com.

For more information see www.buckeyeairfair.com

Or on Facebook: facebook.com/buckeyeairfair

BUCKEYE AIR FAIR 2013 FACT SHEET

The Buckeye Air Fair was first held in 2003.  Attendance has traditionally been 2000 to 2500 until 2012 when an unexpected 8000 were in attendance. In 2012, the Town of Buckeye included a committee of representatives from the community in its planning process.   This twelve  member committee along with 200 volunteers from Buckeye and the Town created this extraordinary event.  The success of the 2012 event is expected to bring an even larger number of community attendees in 2013 which is expected to exceed 10,000.

The Venue:

The Buckeye Municipal Airport
3000 South Palo Verde Road
Buckeye, AZ  85326
East of Miller Road on I-10 at Palo Verde Road

Date & Time:

February 23, 2013, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Cost:  Free entry and parking

Event Overview

• A large number of events take place during the Air Fair both in the air as well as on the ground.
• An Air Museum that is based at the airport has a number of vintage aircraft and vehicles on static display at their location on the north side of the air field.   
• Over 60 Vendors both profit and not for profit organizations will be represented with an expectation for more. 
• The Town of Buckeye is very well represented both on the activities side as well as on the static display side with a high level of law enforcement interaction (K-9 demonstrations, etc.) and fire service demonstrations including a simulated vehicle accident, victim extrication and a helicopter landing and transport.   We also expect military ground and possible air participation at this event.
• Helicopter and Balloon rides and skydiving are made available along with a number of other children's activities.
• Our theme and vision for this year's event is education to the community .  Verrado High School is the educational institution selected to participate in the preparation and implementation phases.  The graphics are being produced by the school's graphics department, and the Broadcast Technology Department is assisting with pre and post production documentation of the event.  The school band will be participating in the opening ceremony and throughout the Air Fair.
• Buckeye is a growing community with more than 50,000 residents and is the largest town in Arizona (in area).  It continues to grow at a rapid rate with a large number of second home owners and active adults.
• The airport is a big part of the growth strategy for the town as demonstrated by its Airport Strategic Plan, which is published on the Town of Buckeye website.

Summary of Events & Activities:

• Mayor Jackie Meck will welcome the community at the start of the event.
• A skydiving team of jumpers from the on-site school carrying the American Flag during the opening ceremony is expected.
• Vintage aircraft including 8 to 12 bi-wing aircraft, WWII military trainers and jets  will perform during the course of the event with several landing and being  placed on display for the attendees to preview.
• Radio Controlled Aircraft Displays and a flight demonstration of remote controlled Jet aircraft will take place.
• A Science & Technology Center with local and national science organizations are expected to participate with presentations throughout the day..
• Buckeye Law Enforcement demonstrations with their K-9  corp. of dogs and handlers will demonstrate criminal apprehension techniques.
• Buckeye Fire Department will conduct a demonstration involving a vehicle accident victim extrication followed by a Medical Helicopter landing and patient loading demonstration.
• The Buckeye Fire Department state of the art driving and fire demonstration simulator will be available for tours.
• An Air Tractor (Agriculture turbo prop aircraft) or helicopter will demonstrate an agriculture chemical loading and spray drop demonstration over the airport.
• Military aircraft are expected to conduct a fly over during the event
• Helicopter rides will be provided for a fee
• Balloon rides will be provided for a fee
• An organized Car Show with 100 cars fronting the Lauridsen Air Museum will be on view along with motorcycles.
• A Fly-In with an expected 50 or more aircraft from all over the State will be on site.
• Lauridsen Aviation Museum with docents positioned at strategic locations and regular presentations throughout the day in a small stadium set up in the museum will be available.
• WWII vehicle reviews including troop carriers , aircraft and equipment used in Hollywood productions will be at the museum.
• Shuttle service from the main event area to the museum and car show will be provided
• Vendors and Exhibitors including all Buckeye utility companies and Economic Development will be available to Town citizens to gain clarification on services.
• Non-Profit organizations such as BOSS, will  provide opportunities to contribute diapers
• A Kids Zone with face paintings and other activities managed by several church organizations will be there.
• Bouncy Houses for the children
• Solar Telescope viewings provided by Astronomical organizations
• Buckeye Mobile Library
• Local Buckeye Mystery Writer book signing on his most recent release The Library will provide a list of other local authors with the possibility of signings from them as well.
• A Climbing Wall will be provided by the National Guard
• Military, University and College Recruiting Personnel will be available

Rev: October 31, 2012

* Note: The list contains extensive activities with a number of them still to confirm final participation. We expect most to confirm attendance as well as a number being approached as the list is being compiled.  A final list will be published in the days prior to the event.  Current information will be available and updated on our Air Far website at  http:www.BuckeyeAirFair.com.  Additional information can be had by signing on to our Facebook page as well.