Who among you has a little (or large) airplane fan in your home?
The Great Tennessee Air Show, presented by Nissan North America, is soaring back into Smyrna this weekend to wow and inspire audiences of all ages for its 50th year. While Covid regulations means the ode to aviation innovation may look a little different this year, nonetheless individuals and families can still get a prime seat for the action.
Stellar Craft
Guests will be able to see some of the world's best aircraft and their pilots in the sky and on the ground. For the first time since 2011 the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will headline the show, followed by U.S. Special Operations Command Parachute Team, the Quicksilver P51 Mustang, Mike Wiskus and Lucas Oil, Navy EA-18 Growler Demo, and others.
While there will be plenty of sky-high action, guests will also love the static displays that will include Memphis Guard C-17, Knoxville Guard KC-135, E-2 Hawkeye, and V-22 Osprey, to name a few.
Priceless Views
One of the side effects of the pandemic will be reduced capacity at the show this year, so no general admission tickets will be sold to the show. Instead, attendees can choose online from Premium Boxes or the Flight Line Club that allow for great -- no, INCREDIBLE -- views in the front line and easy access to concessions, ground displays, souvenir booths and exhibitors. Premium Seating tickets are $50-$75, and children three and under can get in free (they'll just need to sit on a lap).
The Flight Line Club includes a four-seat table with a catered lunch, unlimited beverages, a VIP parking pass, and shaded areas, along with ahem, valuable nearby port-a-lets, for $600-$700. It might be a splurge, but it's hard to find a better seat! And all guests can breathe easy-- masks will not be required for attendees, following the CDC's latest guidelines for outdoor events.
Ready to go? The Great Tennessee Air Show will be held at the Smyrna/Rutherford Airport Authority, 278 Doug Warpoole Road, Smyrna, TN Saturday, June 5 and Sunday, 6 from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Purchase tickets and see the schedule at https://greattennesseeairshow.com/
Laura Beth Payne is a writer mama and Murfreesboro native who lives in the Blackman community with her husband and two children. Follow her at @murfreesboromama on Facebook and Instagram. Got a column idea? Email her at laurabethpayne@gmail.com.