Air show lifts patriotic spirit, donations for unemployed

Angela Soo

Monday, Oct. 22, 2001 | 9:44 a.m.

A demonstration of bombs blasting the desert valley near Jean during the second annual Las Vegas Air Show gave spectators a small taste of what war might feel like.

"We had no idea of the extent of it," Kathy Werner, a general counsel of Metro Police's union, said Sunday. "I didn't think they were going to drop any bombs."

The bombs were simulated, but created enough fire and noise to convince spectators that the explosions were real.

"I could feel the heat from the bombs," said Werner, who was there with her husband and two sons. "I know we'll be back next year."

The four-hour air show on Saturday and Sunday took place at the Jean Sports Aviation Center, featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and a dozen other aircraft.

"It's great for the American spirit," said Eddie Gray, a cement mason.

Ten percent of the profits will go to the United Way's Displaced Workers Fund and all donations collected at the ticket booths will go to help the unemployed who were affected by last month's terrorists attacks, Scott Darst, vice president of the Las Vegas Air Show, said.

Darst didn't have the exact amount raised as of Sunday afternoon, but said all of the donation buckets placed at the ticket booths were filled with money from people wanting to help out the local economy.

"It was great," Darst said. "About 98 percent of the people who came put money in the bucket."

In addition to the air show profits and bucket donations, 75 percent of the money raised at the air show by the America Keeps Rolling tour will be donated to the same fund, Erik Pappa, a city of Las Vegas spokesman, said.

The Thunderbirds performed a 30-minute grand finale on both days and were the most popular attraction.

"The precision flying was breathtaking," said Betty Gray, an accountant who was there with her husband. "This gives people who have no idea about the military a chance to see how good they are."

"Our favorite was the Thunderbirds," said Peggy Baldwin, who said she was speaking on behalf of her husband, niece and nephew. "They put on a great show."

Her husband, Larry Baldwin, told his wife to speak for herself and said he was most impressed with the red, white and blue parachute act.

Five parachuters with colored parachutes jumped three separate times, Baldwin said. A fully extended American flag was attached to a jumper during each run.

Spearman biplanes were used during a wing-walking stunt in which an unstrapped person walked across the wing of a plane while in the air.

Carnival rides, food and games were also part of the event, which attracted about 80,000 people over two days. Booths selling military toys, commemorative T-shirts and anything with an American flag.

"It's a great way to bring people together," said Patricia Zach, who works as a dealer at Arizona Charlie's East on Boulder Highway near Flamingo Road. "It also gives us pride in our Air Force and something to hold onto."