Waukegan Airshow Sept 6th Canceled due to poor economy!

[cg51]

http://cbs2chicago.com/local/waukegan.air.show.2.797294.html

[n5151ts]

...next year RENO may be a memory as well....I hope not but reality does bite hard.

[Thomas]

That's sad to hear. I hope others don't run into the same issue.

[richkolasa]

I wouldn't worry too much. Fuel prices have come down from the artificial highs of the early summer, and airshow attendance is up, as people are not taking long vacations, so they're going to local shows. I think cancelling a show is a mistake for the organizers.

[bluehawk15]

Even the CAF Midland Airsho, this year, is only going to provide fuel for a select few privately owned planes, due to the high cost of fuel.

[Thomas]

It stinks that Waukegan had everyone booked and it came down to this. I agree with Rich, the only thing that should stop an air show is weather!

[Liza]

Announcement was made about 10 days ago. Their site is also citing airport construction as a reason. http://www.waukeganairshow.com/

[mlenoch]

Very ironic. Several show promoters I have talked to, have said attendance has been higher than previous years. Spectators are staying closer to home for their entertainment venues, I guess. And yet, sponsors are reluctant to pony up in some spots this year. Ironic.
VL

[P51DFltLn]

*rats* That makes TWO N. Ill shows to cancel... Morris (labor day) is 'off' this year, too... now looking at a 'slow' september...

[T33driver]

I talked to two of the organizers and it wasn't a poor economy that caused them to cancel the show...far from it. It was a combination of other factors but it's not my place to get into specifics. The show will be "on" for next year. I'm seeing the same thing at air shows mentioned earlier in this thread--strong air show attendance even when ticket prices are on the higher end.

[richkolasa]

Holy Moly! This may be the first documented evidence that our Main Stream Media is irresponsible and inept! Okay, maybe not. Just another example of how the "press" can be useless. Another shame.

Rich

[mustangdriver]

Hey I know, why not hold that airshow at Meigs Field... Oh that's right. Never mind.

[JetStarMech]

Greetings
I work at the Waukegan airport and the annual airshow is something
that alot of us look forward to, our families show up to the event and
it is like our "Open House", a time to show off what we do everyday
and have alot of fun...
I don't understand the whole "Free" thing, if you go to any other
airshow they will charge for parking and admission...
I understand that they are trying to promote aviation to the
masses in Waukegan, but the general public will show up at ANYTHING
that is free.
A good example is the Lake County fairgrounds (located next to Wauk.)
that fair will charge parking and admission to the demo derby and they always pack the stands with folks watching cars getting wrecked!!!
I hope they (port authority) will charge next year, I'll pay to get in next year, if that's what it'll take to get the show going...
Take Care, Out Here, Tom

[flygirl77]

Corporations are reducing the amount of sponsorships that they giving out. I am sure this played a role in this event. I also know it takes a lot of manpower to organize an event like this and maybe they were having difficulty with getting volunteers for the event. Waukegan is trying very hard to turn the city around and revitalize the town. An air show is a great way to introduce children and young adults into the world of aviation. So hopefully the show will continue next year.

[daveymac82c]

Good point Flygirl77,

I've noticed in the past year or two many businesses and corporations are cutting back on the money they're willing to donate. I'm sure a lot of companies would like to support fun events like airshows, but if it means that they're spending more than they can afford, it's clear why they choose not to support at all.

We've got a great airshow in Chilliwack, BC that is entirely free, and it's a really good fun time. It isn't big to any extent, but that's part of its charm.

Cheers,

David