By COLE REIF
Great Bend Post
What started in 2012, the Great Bend Airfest will be back for a fifth time next fall. Well over a year from the next show, Great Bend Municipal Airport Manager Martin Miller has started reaching out to performers and a final wish list of talent will go out later this summer. Miller said the idea of organizing a show of this magnitude is to find something that will entertain all ages.
"Shockwave was a big deal," said Miller. "The Golden Knights were a big deal. The night show was a big deal. I'm watching the shows right now that are going on this season and keeping track of performers that are a little bit different or the same."
Organized every three years, the 2021 Airfest saw just over 9,000 spectators attend the three-day event. Great Bend has been able to recruit national performers in the past, something Miller said is easier because of the setup.
"The most consistent thought these performers had last time was they like a show like Great Bend, a smaller show, so much better than the big shows," said Miller. "In the big shows, they'll park the performers a mile away on an apron. The audience doesn't get to see them until it's airshow time. They like interacting with people, so that's an advantage."
Miller added Great Bend will relook at ticket prices for the 2024 event after selling tickets for $10 in 2021. The show three years ago cost approximately $185,000 to put together, while receiving roughly $180,000 in sponsorships and admission.