It is a party one decade in the making as the Hangar 24 AirFest & 10th Anniversary Celebration is scheduled to take place Saturday, May 19 at the Redlands Municipal Airport.
Top aviation acts like the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CF-18 Demo Team, and the United States Air Force’s F-16 Viper Demo Team are set to take to the skies in Redlands. Civilian acts already confirmed include Jon Melby in his Hangar 24 Muscle Bi-Plane, Vicky Benzing, the fastest female ever to qualify at the Reno Air Races, Bill Braak and his Smoke-N-Thunder JetCar, local pilot Tony Higa and Kent Pietsch in his Jelly Belly Interstate Cadet. More AirFest acts will be announced as they are added.
But this event is more than an air show. For the first time, AirFest will include a beer festival with local, regional and national breweries on hand. There will be a wide array of Hangar 24 flavors as well, from original recipes to innovative offerings and our newest creations. There will also be the traditional debut of our anniversary beer, currently in development. The 2017 anniversary beer was a Hazy IPA that has garnered rave reviews. Music acts will be scheduled throughout the day, including an after-dark headliner still to be announced.
At least two dozen food vendors are expected to be on hand, for both days of AirFest, with plans for a huge Oktoberfest-style covered beer garden in the works. Static air displays throughout the AirFest grounds will give attendees an up-close look at aviation history. In addition to VIP and general admission areas, a new upgraded viewing section is being planned.
Ticket details are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale Feb. 15. A portion of the proceeds from AirFest will benefit Hangar 24 Charities, a 501 (C)(3) that supports local children’s causes, as well as those related to military veterans. For more AirFest information, please visit hangar24airfest.com.
Did you say a second day?
Yes, that is correct, the 2018 AirFest at the Redlands Municipal Airport is a party so huge that one day will not be able to contain it. In addition to the already-announced full slate of activities on Saturday, May 19, a second day, dubbed “The Hangar 24 Spin Recovery Party,” has been added on Sunday, May 20. (AirFest dates await official approval by the Redlands city council.)
“The Hangar 24 Spin Recovery Party” on May 20 will include at least two live bands, along with a full slate of aviation acts. Hangar 24 will also partner with a soon-to-be-announced winery on the second day to vary the beverage menu. Just like the opening day of AirFest, a Kids Zone will offer plenty to do for the youngest members of the family, while a beer garden will entice the older generation. It will mark the first two-day Hangar 24 AirFest at the Redlands Municipal Airport since 2014.
About Hangar 24 Craft Brewery
Hangar 24 is an independently owned craft brewery with locations in Redlands and Lake Havasu City, Arizona. The company produces a diverse award-winning line of beers ranging from the best-selling Orange Wheat to the exclusive barrel-aged Barrel Roll Series, including the renowned Pugachev’s Cobra. Visit hangar24brewery.com, or find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Terry Bunch
