Delta Business Journal
(flying high: The Blue Angels signature four-ship diamond formation will be seen for the first time in the Delta during Sky Parade at the Greenwood-Leflore Airport this October 20-22.)
One of the Southeast's most spectacular air shows is moving to the Delta.
Sky Parade, formerly hosted by the Jackson International Airport, is moving
to Greenwood. This October 20 through 22, Sky Parade will conduct its first
ever airshow at the Greenwood-Leflore Airport. The feature attraction will
be the Navy Flight Demonstration Team, The Blue Angels. Flying for the
first time in the Mississippi Delta, the "Blues" promise to deliver the
dazzling precision displays which have made them famous worldwide.
Organized at the end of World War II when Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Chester W. Nimitz ordered the formation of a flight demonstration team to showcase naval aviation, the team performed its first flight demonstration less than a year later, in June 1946. Flight Leader, Lt. Cmdr. Roy "Butch" Voris, led the team flying the Grumman F6F Hellcat.
In 1986, during their 40th anniversary celebration, the Blue Angels unveiled their present aircraft, the sleek McDonnel Douglas (now Boeing) F/A-18 Hornet. The eight F/A-18's and their support C-130 are under the command of Cmdr. Patrick Driscoll, USN. Cmdr. Driscoll joined the Blue Angels in October 1998. He has logged more than 4,557 flight hours and 930 arrested carrier landings. The Blue Angels will arrive in Greenwood on Wednesday, October 18, to begin preparing and practicing for their public shows on Saturday and Sunday, the 20 and 21st.
According to event organizer, Robert H. Hardin, Jr., "It is quite an achievement to have the Blue Angels perform in the Delta. We had hosted the "Blues" once before in Jackson, but we were a little uncertain about their willingness to perform in a smaller community. After their site visit in February, they were very pleased with the level of community support Greenwood showed them. It's a real honor to host this team for our first Sky Parade in Greenwood."
Richard Dillon, airshow coordinator said, "spectators will experience a fantastic airshow which will include many other acts such as a U.S. Air Force A-10 Warthog demonstration, B-1 Bomber flybys, along with displays of numerous active military aircraft, warbirds, and civil aerobatic acts. We even have a jet powered four-wheeler and Dodge pickup scheduled to
perform. We're bringing a world class airshow to the Delta, and spectators are sure to get their money's worth".
Greenwood resident Kenney Miller, a former Navy fighter pilot, says, "It's a fantastic opportunity for the entire area. I hope everyone will recognize the significance of hosting the Blue Angels. I have followed the team for years, and to be honest, had my doubts about our ability to bring them here. Now that they're committed, it's time to pull out all the stops and roll out the delta hospitality we're famous for".
In addition to the flying activities, Sky Parade will include a midsouth motorcycle show and parade, a carnival midway with all types of rides, and a stage area to host night time musical entertainment. Organizers are working with booking agents to firm up the talent lineup, which will be announced at a later date.
Event organizers think that parking should not be a problem. The Greenwood-Leflore Airport, which is located five miles east of the City of Greenwood has ample paved surfaces to provide parking for thousands of cars.