Air show should be louder this year

Thunder Over the Valley will be a little louder this year, thanks to the Santa Maria Public Airport Board of Directors.

The board voted to contribute an extra $12,000 to the annual air show this year to bring in more aerobatics attractions, which have yet to be booked. That money is in addition to its annual $15,000 contribution for safety and security.

Thunder Over the Valley is scheduled for Aug. 24 to 26, 2012.

“It looks this year like it’s working out to be a good show,” General Manager Chris Hastert said in recommending the contribution to the board.

Museum of Flight President Mike Geddry Sr. echoed Hastert’s comment.  “I put 2,000 miles on my car over the Christmas holiday to make sure it will be good,” he said.

In addition to the traditional warbirds fly-by and the Santa Maria Valley 99s flight to honor Amelia Earheart, a simulated dogfight between two World War II vintage planes is scheduled for the show.

Geddry said a V-22B Osprey from the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station also is scheduled to attend.  The large tilt-rotor aircraft combine the vertical takeoff capability of a helicopter with the range and high-speed performance of a turboprop personnel carrier.

Geddry said he hopes the show’s new attractions will increase attendance to record numbers. The show annually attracts around 8,000 visitors to the airport.

The board also approved a new lease for Artcraft Paint, Inc. It is an extension of the business’s current lease at its 3125 Liberator St. location. 

By Brian Bullock/Staff Writer/bbullock@santamariatimes.com Santa Maria Times | Posted: Friday, February 24, 2012