Sound of Speed Airshow kicks off next weekend

By Kyle Schmidt

St. Joseph residents and visitors will have their eyes on the sky next weekend, as the Sound of Speed Airshow returns to the area for the first time since 2021.

The highly anticipated Thunderbirds will headline the show following the other impressive acts.

Gates will open at 10 a.m. on Sept. 14 and 15 and close at 5 p.m. at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. The show will start at noon.

Col. John Cluck, 139th Airlift Wing commander, said the audience will be up close to the show.

“What makes this one great is you’re going to be right in the thick of it,” Cluck said. “We have a relatively small ramp so we can’t really be displaced from the aircrafts or the aircrews, so as people are going out to fly, especially the Thunderbirds, they will walk in front of the crowd.”

A big act that is likely to catch the eyes of many is “Tora Tora Tora.” This is a living history lesson of World War II that will have explosions and plenty of action on display.

Julius Rice, chairman of the show, thinks any seat in the house will be a good spot to see and feel the show.

“’Tora Tora Tora’ with the full pyro technique display, you should be able to see that and feel that from pretty much anywhere in the crowd area,” Rice said. “Any view is a good view when you are looking up into the sky.”

Tickets are not required for general admission. Parking passes are required, though free passes are available.

General and premium parking passes are also available for purchase, for $15 and $30, respectively. This parking will get spectators closer to the gate and exit.

For people that would like an enhanced experience and a better view, preferred seating will run $49 and provide seating as well as shade.

Lastly, access to the Flight Line Club, which includes VIP viewing, tents for dining and shade, a catered lunch and drinks, will run guests $149.

“The ultimate experience at the airshow; seats, shade and food,” Rice said. “Those are on sale on the website at stjairshow.com.”

Up to 500 volunteers will be needed for each day of the show.

Other acts include The CAF P-40 Warhawk, Matt Younkin flying an aerobatic Twin Beech 18, The Shetterly Squadron, Mister Mulligan, Franklin’s Flying Circus and Hot Streak 2.

“It’s going to be a great weekend, we’re hoping for good weather, which is always important,” Cluck said. “This is an opportunity for the 139th to pay back to the local community and all the people that work hard to make sure the wing stays here in St. Joe.”

For more information about what to know before going to the show, visit https://stjairshow.com/information/.