Air Fest Takes Flight

SAN BERNARDINO>> Numerous people from the community came to the San Bernardino International Airport for the SBD Fest 2016 Sept 10. to watch aerobatics, exhibition cars, a concert and the SB Strong Plane Pull. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., many activities took place that the community could enjoy including the SBD Fest 2016 recognizing and honoring local public safety agencies that played a critical role in protecting the community on Dec. 2, 2015. San Bernardino International Airport, local businesses and sponsors work together to generate funds that allow local agencies to acquire specialized equipment that will aid in their ongoing efforts to help keep the local communities safe, according to a press release. “We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all public safety officers in uniform that protect and serve San Bernardino and the surrounding communities,” said Michael Burrows, executive director of IVD, in a press release. The SBD Fest 2016 offered fun for everyone in the family that included aircraft displays, vintage car displays, motorcycle displays, military aircraft, aerobatic and aerial acts - including a military jet formation act, a kid’s zone, food trucks and a variety of vendors and sponsors. Thompson Square, country duo, performed between the aerial performer activities. Thomson Square includes the duo of Keifer and Shawna Thompson and has topped the radio charts across the Unites States, Canada and Australia with No. 1 hits such as “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not,” “If I Didn’t Have You” and “Everything I Shouldn’t Be Thinking About." Embracing strong regional interest in air shows at the former Norton Air Force Base, the inaugural SBD Fest drew more than 10,000 attendees in 2015 and this year’s event was expected to build on last year’s success. “Many of our attendees last year spoke to us about being stationed and serving at Norton AFB, some having helped to coordinate the air shows our community so fondly remembers,” said Mark Gibbs, director of aviation for SBD International Airport, in a press release. SBD Fest featured veteran airshow announcer Lt. Colonel Jon “Huggy” Huggins. In his more than 20 years of airshow experience, Huggins has been announcing air shows all across the West Coast to since 2007. Another element to the event was the Plane Pull. San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan presented the Plane Pull concept to SBD Airport staff in the spring. “I think this is a great event that can bring our community together in a positive way, raise awareness and money for some valuable programs that benefit local public safety and of course reinforce that competitive spirit that exists within the law enforcement and fire industry cultures,” Burguan said.