America's Freedom Fest to return to Goshen
Jul. 10—GOSHEN — America's Freedom Fest returns to the Goshen Municipal Airport this Saturday, featuring Rotors 'N Ribs.
The tradition has been going on in Goshen since 1995. The air show has changed over the years, Airport Manager Randy Sharkey said, combining the Celebrate America committee fireworks with the airshow. The average attendance at America's Freedom Fest is 20,000-25,000 people.
The biggest attraction this year is the F-16 Viper Demo Team, featuring Capt. Taylor "FEMA" Hiester.
"There is one F-16 team and they happen to be with us this weekend, and I think that speaks volumes," Sharkey said. "When it comes to one-day events like us, we're one of the largest, and that's pretty cool. The fact that we even show up on some general's desk when they make these assignments."
Debuting its new paint scheme just a few weeks ago, the F-16 Viper demo team remains a crowd favorite.
"We actually did it in secret," Hiester said. "Up until a month and a half ago, the entire process was done in secret."
The paint scheme is in celebration of the plane's 50th anniversary and a return to the original paint scheme from 1974. This year, they'll perform 25 shows across four countries.
"We're excited to have it and fly it," Hiester said.
The F-16 Viper demo team's plane is a full combat, long-range dog fighter just like the rest of the military uses.
The demo team is comprised of 10 active military personnel on two-year tours with the plane. Before joining the team, Hiester flew in a combat squadron, specializing in VIP protection, homeland defense and national security special events.
"We're just a group of active duty airmen that have the good fortune of being in this job," Hiester said. "My job as commander of the team is not necessarily to recruit. If nobody from Fort Wayne or Goshen joins the military but people walk away feeling empowered to serve in some way, we feel the world will be a better place."
Because of its size, Sharkey explained, it requires a longer runway and cannot stage in Goshen. Instead, the team has agreed to take off at Fort Wayne International Airport.
U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team is also a prime attraction for the event, and they'll be performing twice, opening the airshow at 6 p.m.
Gates open at noon for one of the largest single-day airshows in the country.
There will also be Susan Dacy "Big Red," Randy Ball MiG-17, Flagship Detroit DC-3, Army Aviation Heritage Foundation "Sky Soldiers," Dacy Airshows, Mike Vaknin "Extra 300," Midwest Helicopter Airways, Erik Edgren, Bob Richards "Machaira" and a T-34 Demonstration.
After the airshow ends, with a twilight show by U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the Sky Elements Drone Show will take flight followed by Ramsey Pyrotechnics, which Sharkey lauds as one of the largest fireworks displays in the area, concluding around 10:30 p.m.
On Friday night during the setup, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will honor Dean Stickel, 98, of Wakarusa. Stickel served in Keflavik, Iceland, from 1945-46. The event is not open to the public. Family and friends who are interested may contact Derek Odiorne for more information.
On Saturday, the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team will honor another World War II veteran, Wayne Yoder, 98, Nappanee. Yoder fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars. Yoder's celebration is open to attendees of America's Freedom Fest.
Food trucks will be scattered across three different concession areas, everything from Nelson's to Sweazy Q, between the 40 food vendors on site.
There will also be helicopter rides at additional cost.
FREEDOM FEST 5000
A unique 5K run/walk will take on the airport grounds the morning of the show.
Registration is still open for the Freedom Fest 5000 and runners will also receive free admission to America's Freedom Fest Saturday evening.
Registration and packet pick up begins at 7 a.m., and the run starts at 8 a.m. Multiple awards will be given, and refreshments will be available after the run, along with a chance to win giveaway items.
Enter through Gate 7 for VIP parking for the run.
Register online for $35, or receive a 20% discount with five applicants at www.raceentry.com/races/freedom-fest-5000/2024/register.
ROTORS 'N RIBS
Rotors 'N Ribs is a helicopter fly-in occurring on the same day as America's Freedom Fest. It includes VIP passes that offer a premier view of the air show, a rib meal, helicopter-related safety seminars, and a variety of networking opportunities.
Registration is required. For more information call 574-392-0174.
TICKETS
Veterans with valid military ID will receive one free admission. Show ID at the gate on the day of the event.
Advanced tickets may be purchased until noon July 12 at Https://Event.Attendstar.Com/Event/Show/Americas-Freedom-Fest/?C=2yjrcw.
General admission tickets for anyone over age 13 are $25 each, $15 for ages 6-12, and free for those 5 and younger.
A family package is available including two adults and two children for $70.
Premium Flight Line Club tickets are $75 and free for children under 5.
Tickets may also be purchased at Goshen Airport, 17229 C.R. 42; Forks County Line, 508 E. Warren St, Middlebury; Double R Grocery, 65730 Ind. 13, Millersburg; Countryroad Fabrics, 1205 S. Van Buren St., Shipshewana.
Dani Messick is the education and entertainment reporter for The Goshen News. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 574-538-2065.