The Santa Maria Museum of Flight's air show this weekend may not actually raise money, but the annual event has a purpose that is more important than filling coffers, organizers said.

“This is not an air show about airplanes, it's about honoring the military and what they do for us and what the veterans have done for us,” said Mike Geddry Sr., director and curator of the museum.

He added that many active-duty military members and veterans liken the annual show to “coming home.”

This is the 19th annual Thunder Over the Valley air show, and without the support of local residents, it could have gone the way of other events crippled by the struggling economy.

“Santa Maria goes above and beyond supporting the military,” Geddry said. “And it has a long history of supporting the military.”

This year, Geddry said, organizers hope to break even.

Thunder Over the Valley officially begins with a catered open house at the Museum of Flight from 5 to 7 p.m. today with tickets costing $10.

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However, the first of the planes, an Air Force A-10 “Warthog,” will arrive about 1 p.m. today.

The rest of the planes are scheduled to begin arriving Friday morning. Later that evening, from 6 to 8, an aircrew welcome dinner also will be open to the public. The meal of tamales, rice, beans and nachos is $8 for museum members and $10 for non-members.

Air show gates will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for the static display of aircraft, along with Ford car, Elks Touring Club and Santa Maria Harley-Davidson motorcycle shows. To enter the Santa Maria Public Airport for the air show, use the gate on South Blosser Road, off Foster Road.

The daily admission to the air show will cost $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 7 to 12 and $15 for a carload of four people. A $10 President's Club admission includes a free meal, beverages and a shady place to sit and relax from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Geddry said.

Aerial demonstrations will occur between 1 and 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, there will be a military and veteran appreciation barbecue, with live entertainment and tri-tip for the public to attend. The dinner and show are $12 for museum members and $15 for non-members.

A Sunday pancake breakfast will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. at the museum, with eggs, sausage and pancakes costing $7 for museum members and $8 for non-members.

Organizers hope for 10,000 visitors over the weekend, even though in the past, attendees numbered close to 20,000.

Although many sponsorships were lost this year, one local businessman stepped up to sponsor John Collver and his famous War Dog AT-6.

An acrobatic salute will now be given to active military personnel and veterans because Jim Kunkle, the president of Central Coast Jet Center, jumped in to support the fundraiser, according to event organizers.

Approximately 20 to 25 vendors selling souvenirs of airplanes to delicious food will be on hand and the local Boy Scout Troop 87 is set to sell hamburgers and hot dogs.

“We're involved in the community and supporting the community,” Geddry said. “If we can turn one kid away from getting involved in a gang or making bad decisions, then we're doing our job.”

Sam Womack can be reached at 739-2218 or swomack@santamariatimes.com.

August 21, 2008