The Blue Angels’ return to the California International Airshow in Salinas this weekend could be grounded by the federal government shutdown.
The airshow committee met with the Blue Angels the morning of Oct. 1, according to a press release.
During the meeting, the committee was told they had permission to stay one more day at Salinas, and briefed the air show committee as if they were to perform this weekend.
If the budget is passed by midnight Oct. 1, the Blue Angels will perform at the Airshow this weekend as planned.
If the government shutdown continues, the U.S. military will not be allowed to participate in the air show, according to the airshow committee. This means the Navy Blue Angels, the Air Force F-16 Viper, will not be able to perform, and the US Military statics will not participate. This does not include the Canadian Military.
California International Airshow will go on this weekend
The 44th annual California International Airshow will go on this weekend despite a government shutdown.
The airshow’s all-volunteer nonprofit organization has been planning the show for over a year, organizing an event that includes top civilian air show performers as well as military, ground acts and exhibits for families to enjoy.
This year’s show will include the best civilian air show performers from North America, along with ground acts like Smoke n Thunder Jet Truck and exotic cars racing airplanes.
On Saturday, local hometown hero, Everett Alvarez, Jr. will be honored. Alvarez was born in Salinas, graduated from local schools and went on to become a Naval Aviator.
Alvarez was the first American aviator taken captive in the Vietnam War after being shot down near Hanoi. Alvarez spent over eight years as a Prisoner of War (POW). Once released, Alvarez went on to have a stellar career. Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas is named after him.
There will also be a STEM Zone, Kids Zone, exhibits, and vendors from all over Northern California.
The Salinas Airshow is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that has donated nearly $9 million to local charities since our inception in 1981.
Gates open at 9 a.m on Saturday and Sunday. Flying will start approximately 11:45 a.m. Tickets are available at www.salinasairshow.com or at the gate this weekend.
This article originally appeared on Salinas Californian: Government shutdown may ground Blue Angels, military planes at California International Airshow
Reporting by Roseann Cattani, Salinas Californian / Salinas Californian
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
