Boshears Skyfest
Encyclopedia
__FORCETOC__
Boshears Skyfest formerly known as the Boshears Memorial Fly–In, is an annual event to honor pioneers of aviation and demonstrate aerial acrobatics in the style of a traditional air–show
. The event has grown to incorporate areas of popular interest beyond aviation. NASCAR
was a predominate feature of the 2009 Skyfest whereas 2010 highlighted the rise in popularity of Sprint Kart racing.
(CSRA) since 1991, with the exception of 2001, because of the 911 terrorist attacks. It began as a celebration of general aviation to honor Forrest and Buster Boshears. The Skyfest is held the third weekend of each October at Daniel Field in Augusta
Georgia
.
The Boshears Skyfest has become an October staple for the Augusta area, along with the annual county fairs and Halloween. This is perhaps because children are the main target of the commemorative campaign. Brad Kyzer, the chairman of the Skyfest has said "Every kid in Augusta ought to get a chance to see it". Each year the Executive Committee of The Boshears Memorial Fly–in, Inc., awards aviation scholarships to selected applicants 16 to 18 years old who express interest in avionics. In 2010 the Committee announced they would hereafter begin accepting applications from 15 year old applicants as well.
were recognized at Boshears Skyfest. Their living presence, and the belated accolades they were long since due, enhanced the event and the participants in tandem.
restrictions, because Daniel Field is located in close proximity to the Augusta Mall
.
, fired flares, which struck the ground and ignited a blaze. Also that same year, a parachute didn't deploy while demonstrating a jet truck
. The truck damaged about 12 feet of fence–line. There were no injuries, but some property damage occurred.
Boshears Skyfest formerly known as the Boshears Memorial Fly–In, is an annual event to honor pioneers of aviation and demonstrate aerial acrobatics in the style of a traditional air–show
Air show
An air show is an event at which aviators display their flying skills and the capabilities of their aircraft to spectators in aerobatics. Air shows without aerobatic displays, having only aircraft displayed parked on the ground, are called "static air shows"....
. The event has grown to incorporate areas of popular interest beyond aviation. NASCAR
NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is a family-owned and -operated business venture that sanctions and governs multiple auto racing sports events. It was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1947–48. As of 2009, the CEO for the company is Brian France, grandson of the late Bill France Sr...
was a predominate feature of the 2009 Skyfest whereas 2010 highlighted the rise in popularity of Sprint Kart racing.
History
The Boshears Skyfest has been an annual event in the Central Savannah River AreaCentral Savannah River Area
The Central Savannah River Area is a 13-county region in the U.S. state of Georgia, and is also considered to include five to eight counties in South Carolina. The term was coined in 1950 by C.C. McCollum, the winner of a $250 contest held by The Augusta Chronicle to generate the best name for the...
(CSRA) since 1991, with the exception of 2001, because of the 911 terrorist attacks. It began as a celebration of general aviation to honor Forrest and Buster Boshears. The Skyfest is held the third weekend of each October at Daniel Field in Augusta
Augusta, Georgia
Augusta is a consolidated city in the U.S. state of Georgia, located along the Savannah River. As of the 2010 census, the Augusta–Richmond County population was 195,844 not counting the unconsolidated cities of Hephzibah and Blythe.Augusta is the principal city of the Augusta-Richmond County...
Georgia
Georgia (U.S. state)
Georgia is a state located in the southeastern United States. It was established in 1732, the last of the original Thirteen Colonies. The state is named after King George II of Great Britain. Georgia was the fourth state to ratify the United States Constitution, on January 2, 1788...
.
The Boshears Skyfest has become an October staple for the Augusta area, along with the annual county fairs and Halloween. This is perhaps because children are the main target of the commemorative campaign. Brad Kyzer, the chairman of the Skyfest has said "Every kid in Augusta ought to get a chance to see it". Each year the Executive Committee of The Boshears Memorial Fly–in, Inc., awards aviation scholarships to selected applicants 16 to 18 years old who express interest in avionics. In 2010 the Committee announced they would hereafter begin accepting applications from 15 year old applicants as well.
Tuskegee Airmen
In 2007 six of the original Tuskegee AirmenTuskegee Airmen
The Tuskegee Airmen is the popular name of a group of African American pilots who fought in World War II. Formally, they were the 332nd Fighter Group and the 477th Bombardment Group of the U.S. Army Air Corps....
were recognized at Boshears Skyfest. Their living presence, and the belated accolades they were long since due, enhanced the event and the participants in tandem.
Operational challenges
An air–show is inherently dangerous and faces many operational challenges to success. The Bohears Skyfest is additionally challenged by stringent airspaceAirspace
Airspace means the portion of the atmosphere controlled by a country above its territory, including its territorial waters or, more generally, any specific three-dimensional portion of the atmosphere....
restrictions, because Daniel Field is located in close proximity to the Augusta Mall
Augusta Mall
Augusta Mall is a two level super-regional shopping mall located in Augusta, Georgia. It opened on August 3, 1978, one week after the now-defunct Regency Mall. It is one of the largest malls in the state of Georgia, and it is the largest mall in the Augusta metro area.-History:Augusta Mall has five...
.
Mishaps
In 2005 a grass fire was started when a helicopter, while re-enacting a search and rescueSearch and rescue
Search and rescue is the search for and provision of aid to people who are in distress or imminent danger.The general field of search and rescue includes many specialty sub-fields, mostly based upon terrain considerations...
, fired flares, which struck the ground and ignited a blaze. Also that same year, a parachute didn't deploy while demonstrating a jet truck
Shockwave (Jet Truck)
Shockwave is one of two jetpowered trucks. Namely, Shockwave, a Peterbuilt semi, and Super Shockwave, a 1957 Chevy.- Shockwave :Shockwave is the first of the Shockwave trucks...
. The truck damaged about 12 feet of fence–line. There were no injuries, but some property damage occurred.