DAYTON – Air show officials have announced three new attractions to the 2017 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger headlined by the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Sean D. Tucker, Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team and a Vought F4U Corsair will join the Thunderbirds and other top attractions in 2017. The 43rd annual show will take off on June 24-25 at the Dayton International Airport.
More than 80 million people have witnessed the dynamic and highly-entertaining aerobatic maneuvers of air show legend, Sean D. Tucker. Spectators at the 2017 Vectren Dayton Air Show will watch in amazement as Tucker puts his 400 horsepower Oracle Challenger biplane through a rigorous performance so intense it requires him to practice three times daily. A 2008 National Aviation Hall of Fame Enshrinee, Tucker sets the standard of aerobatic excellence with the passion and perfection he brings to every show. Tucker is a crowd favorite that appears regularly at Dayton’s show.
Jumping with their massive 60-foot American flag during the National Anthem, members of the Misty Blues All Woman Skydiving Team will open the 2017 show. The full team of six ladies will also perform later in the show as a feature attraction. Adorned in their signature pink and blue jump suits, the Misty’s are well-known for their skilled skydiving, fun personality and spending a lot of time meeting spectators – especially kids. These professional women hold 35 world records and have completed a record 40,000 combined jumps. The Misty Blues last performed in Dayton in 2012.
Dayton means air show and the Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger has a long tradition of presenting classic WWII fighters in its feature show. This year will be no different when the Chance Vought F4U Corsair performs a tactical demonstration showing off its impressive aerial combat capabilities. The Corsair played a major role as a U.S. WWII frontline combat aircraft. The F4U became well-known as the fighter of the famed Black Sheep squadron in the Pacific theatre. It’s distinctive “gull wing” and huge propeller with a 2,100 horsepower Pratt-Whitney radial engine behind it makes the Corsair a favorite among aviators and air show fans. The F4U will be flown by experienced warbird pilot, Dave Folk and will also be available for viewing by show spectators when not performing.
The Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger announced earlier the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headliner. Other announcements for 2017 included the GEICO Skytypers Team, Redline Airshows Aerobatic Team, and Rob Holland Ultimate Air Shows.
In addition, show officials recently learned the U.S. Navy Blue Angels have selected Dayton for a 2018 performance on June 23-24. The Blues have been thrilling audiences for over 70 years with their six powerful Boeing F/A-18 Hornets flying a tightly choreographed, high-energy demonstration.
A two-year scheduling process adopted by the Blues several years ago makes this early announcement possible. The Blues last appeared in Dayton in 2014.
“We’re off to a great start with both the 2017 and 2018 shows,” stated Michael Emoff, chairman of the United States Air & Trade Show Board of Trustees, the governing organization of the show. “These exciting attractions together with those announced earlier are the beginning of what will be an awesome show. What’s even better is that we will add more terrific features in the coming months.”
Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger tickets are now on sale at the show’s website, www.daytonairshow.com. Customers can now enjoy the new print-at-home or print-to-mobile options available on all website individual ticket purchases.
Beginning May 15, 2017, customers can conveniently purchase discount general admission tickets at area Kroger stores. This Kroger exclusive offers $3 off adult and children tickets at over 100 Kroger stores in the Dayton and Cincinnati region. Kroger discount tickets are good for either Saturday or Sunday admission. Visit the show’s website for further information.
