Air Show of the Cascades offers more than planes

It's easy to think of the Air Show of the Cascades as just that - an air show. But that would be selling it short. Way short. Extravaganza? Yes. Festival? Yes. Spectacle? Yes. In the good sense. Above all, it's three fun packed, adrenaline pumping days formulated for families of all sizes, and all ages and all locales near and far.

Indeed, attendees will come to the August 22-24 event in Madras from a dozen states, as many as a hundred flying into the event. There will be those who don't want to miss a single minute and be on hand for behind-the-scenes looks. They'll camp, right alongside the runway, in RVs big and small or tents. It's the largest air show in Oregon and one of the top in the country.

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The Air Show of the Cascades will provide plenty of spectacle - overhead and on the ground.

What to expect

Airplanes. Sure. Lots and lots of those from historic military war birds to spy planes to heart stopping aerobatic planes. Even an H60 Blackhawk helicopter. But that's not the half of it. There's a car show with a hundred plus classic and vintage cars and trucks including street rods and muscle cars. You can even take a ride, for a charge, in a Lamborghini or Ferrari.

Music

Of the nonstop variety. With bands like Chasing Bandits, Vince Bigos, Stu Kinzel Trio, and Sweet Red & The Hot Rod Billies. In between is the Subaru Hit Machine.

Fireworks

A spectacular show Friday night with Mt. Jefferson as a stunning backdrop.

Thrills

Hold onto your hats. Yellow Thunder is a two-plane, altitude-unrestricted formation aerobatic demonstration team that flies formation aerobatic performances in Canada and the U.S. A 300 mph TS-11 Iskra Military Jet and a Microjet will roar past spectators in a blink of the eye.

And planes, featured aircraft, in the movie "Devotion" - the Bearcat, Sky Raider, and F4U Corsair. You don't have to be a veteran to appreciate these fascinating marvels of aviation.

Hitch a ride

Ever dreamed of riding in a B-17 Flying Fortress or P-51 Mustang Fighter? Book it! Dreams can come true in Madras. Want more daring? Acrobatic air rides are offered with Specialized Aero Works. Or a tamer ride in a helicopter. At Air Show of the Cascades, you are in the action.

Show stoppers

Do not miss the U.S. Army Golden Knights, the world's top military parachute team that will be the opening performing acts Friday and Saturday with a 12-person team that performs for major events such as the NASCAR and Super Bowls. The Nugget will be along to record the drop at 10,000 feet.

Food

We're talking feast. There's an old-fashioned fish fry Friday night for the first 1,000. An Elks Club breakfast Saturday morning and some of the best food trucks in all Central Oregon.

Admission

General admission tickets range from $6 (kids 6-12) to $20 (adults) each day. Active-duty military personnel are admitted free, thanks to Budweiser. There are a host of premium ticket options letting you get closer to the action along with some shade and/or deluxe dining.

A ticket includes entry to the Erickson Aircraft Collection displaying a vintage aircraft collection started by Jack Erickson in 1983. The collection features over twenty rare aircraft, most of which are still in flying condition. The newly named collection features rare aircraft such as the P-38 Lightning, P-51 Mustang, Ki-43 Hayabusa, F4U Corsair, SBD Dauntless, Grumman Duck, and B-17 Flying Fortress.

You can just show up, but to be sure of getting just the tickets best for you, book now at https://aftontickets.com/event/buyticket/38jyw77x71%20.