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St. Louis County Fair & Air Show 2002
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Saint Louis County Fair & Air Show Spirit of St. Louis Airport Chesterfield, MO 63123 (636) 530-9386 |
by Betty Magrath, SLFP.com photos by Bob Moore, SLFP.com CHESTERFIELD, MO, (SLFP.com), August 31, 2002 - All eyes were on the hazy skies over the Spirit of St. Louis Airport with the thundering sounds of vintage planes and military aircraft during the Annual St. Louis Fair and Air Show's Salute to the Defenders of America's Freedom over the Labor Day Weekend. Thousands of air show enthusiasts jockied for a prime viewing position on the grassy fields near the runway to watch the noon air show on Saturday. Following a flashy set of maneuvers by Veteran test pilot Jack Jackson in the AV-8B Harrier, pilot Lt. Trey Sisson and weapons' systems officer Lt. Daniel Orchard-Hays thrilled the crowd with fly bys in the F-18E/F. The crowd was caught by suprise with the sudden appearance of the F-117A Stealth Fighter as it roared past several times. At 3:30 p.m., the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron gave a command performance. Each pass brought rounds of applause from the large crowd. Prior to their heralded takeoff, the C-130 Hercules, also known as "Fat Albert", roared down the runway and rose majestically into the sky. The huge craft is capable of carrying 25,000 pounds of cargo and 45,000 pounds of fuel. The air shows continue through Monday at noon - 2:00 p.m.; 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 - 6:30 daily. The shows open with the U.S. Golden Knights Parachute Team followed by the Red Baron Squadron, Tora Tora Tora WWII Battle Re-enactment and SOAR (Special Operations Aviation Rescue). Other military flybys included: the B-IB, C-17, ICC135, T-45, B2, F-15, P-3 and the Orion. North of the airfield, thousands of fair-goers waited in long lines for an opportunity to see vintage planes and new high tech aircraft up close in one of the region's largest military and civilian static displays. Aviation enthusiasts enjoyed seminars held by the Aviation Theater The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Families and friends visited Kids Town featuring inflatables, pony rides, virtual reality simulators, climbing walls and artists performing magic and juggling acts. Nearby in Faust Park Historical Village, artisans and craftsman demonstrated 19th century crafts and foods. A stagecoach provided opportunities for fair-goers to experience a real frontier ride. Purina Farm's petting zoo and canine exhibitions drew young and old alike for a peek at the exotic animals. Rows of carnival rides and game booths in the Midway beckoned fair-goers with a chance to win prizes. The humid afternooon air was filled with the smoke and tangy smell of BBQ burgers, brats and hotdogs. Many sought relief from the sweltering heat at cooling stations throughout the grounds. Admission is $7 adults; $3 children (ages 6 - 12) and senior citizens 60 years or older. Children under 6 are free. Parking is free. Monday, September 2, is Scout day. Each Boy Scout and Girl Scout attending the fair in uniform will receive free admission with a paying adult. Since its inception in 1992, all fair proceeds have been donated to Children's Miracle Network (CMN), which equally benefits St. Louis Children's Hospital and Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital. Call 636-530-9386 or see visit www.stlcofair.org for more information.  St. Louis Front Page is a proud media sponsor of the 2002 St. Louis County Fair & Air Show.
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