By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
GREAT BEND — The numbers are in and this year’s Great Bend airshow nearly broke even financially. Great Bend Airfest was a three-day event in September that featured multiple airshows from warbirds, flights for purchase and plenty more entertainment.
The cost to host the airshow was approximately $185,000. Great
Bend Municipal Airport Manager Martin Miller said the city received $133,000 in
sponsorships and made $47,000 at the gate in ticket purchases.
"As far as I'm concerned, this was the best show we've had," said Miller. "I was very happy with it."
Just over 9,000 spectators attended the 2021 airfest which featured its first
night show.
Miller said there were more rides offered this year and the pilots
stayed busy with customers wanting to go up in the air. The P-51 gunfighter was
selling rides for $1,999 per flight and the pilot made more than $16,000 in
rides over the three days.
"We survey the performers after the
show and after they got home," said Miller. "100% of them were very
happy. These are national performers, and they like the small venue to
see the audience and be around them."
Great Bend Airfest started in 2012 and has continued every three years.