The St. Louis County Fair and Airshow brought the noise… noise in the sound of jet engines, helicopters and some pyrotechnics! A mix of military aircraft as well as high performance aerobatic planes were the highlights of the show.
Starting off the show was the Green Berets Parachute Team. And yes, that is the ONLY time the flag is allowed to touch the ground, and even then only for a few seconds. Then the roar begins! The show included the F-15, P-51 Mustang (later joined by the F-15 for a heritage flight), Jim Leroy in the “Bulldog”, AeroShell Aerobatic Team, John Klatt flying the Air National Guard Staudacher S-300D, the T6A Texan II, Sky Soldiers Cobra and Loach Vietnam Helicopter Demo, B-1B Lancer Bomber, AV-8B Harrier and let’s not forget the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The pilot pushed the envelope on a high-speed pass, moving just under the sound barrier which could be seen trying to form over his wings.
After which I roamed around the static aircraft display, getting up close and personal with a few of the aircraft.
Later I hopped on a ride with the Sky Soldiers in one of their Vietnam-era Huey helicopters. The gunner seat offered a unique view as we flew over the Chesterfield / St. Charles area. And yes, the pilot mixed in a few unexpected maneuvers including some sharp banked turns, climbs and dives!
Once evening came, the music started with Courtney Jaye with Marc Broussard. After their set, there was a short twilight airshow with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team once more, then the headliners Hootie and the Blowfish took the stage. And of course, wrapping up the show was the always spectacular fireworks display!
