March Airfest 2008

This weekend was the 2008 Air Fest at March Air Reserve Base. We enjoyed the last air show we saw at Edwards Air Force Base in October 2006, and thought since this one was so close to home we'd go and watch!

Rachel enjoyed some of the airshow. Mostly she enjoyed the airplanes and jets she was able to see from inside the comforts of her car when we were attempting to be parked. Once out on the airstrip, the loud noise was really bothersome to her little ears and she didn't pay much attention, especially because met up with Uncle Robbie and Auntie and McKenzie and Haylee. Meeting up gave the girlies all something to do. The two big demonstrations we were anxious to see were that of the F-22 Raptor and that of the U.S.A.F Thunderbirds. We made it to the airstrip just in time for the Navy parachute team, which is always fun, and quiet for little ears. Following the parachuters landing, the F-22 Raptor took to the skies and was it ever loud and phenomenal! We were really glad we made it in time to see it's first ever West Coast demonstration. Following the Raptor, there were other air demonstrations by a cargo plane that's big enough to transport Humvees and other large equipment to ground troops. Seeing something that big take off and fly is amazing.There was also a demonstration by an Air Force Reserve Biplane which was fun.The Air Fest ended with a spectacular demonstration from the U.S.A.F Thunderbirds! While we've only ever seen them twice, both times they've been fun to watch, perhaps it's the music they put to their stunts and flyovers. Unlike our last airshow, we weren't able to get here earlier in the day to explore the grounded planes on exhibit. They closed off going in the back of this aircraft just prior to us walking up. Things were closing up and it was time to exit the grounds. But I got a picture and it shows just how massive the aircraft is! We exited the grounds and made our way to our car. Thankfully, exiting the base was a lot easier than it was arriving and getting parked. We went to dinner and talked about what we liked and about the next air show we're hoping to go to. That one will be in October and will feature the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, as well as other military aircraft.