'Snowbirds' jet team highlights 100th anniversary of Westmoreland air show

Westmoreland County Airport Authority officials expect as many as 50,000 spectators will gather at the runway next weekend to gaze into the sky as nine acts perform air stunts and flyovers.

It will be the 100th anniversary of the first air show held at what is now called Arnold Palmer Regional Airport near Latrobe.

The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds jet team will headline the two-day Shop ’n Save International Airshow, that begins June 21 at the Unity airport.

“It’s going to be a great show,” said airport authority Executive Director Gabe Monzo.

It was a show that almost wasn’t.

Authority officials initially struck out in attracting a headliner for this year’s annual show. As a result — along with ongoing construction of a $22 million terminal expansion — initial plans were to hold a one-day open house in September with information booths and vendors but no aerial acts.

Plans changed in February when the Snowbirds’ scheduled June appearance at a Michigan air show was canceled. Westmoreland officials shifted gears, swooped in and booked the Canadian jet team to perform for that same weekend.

“We were under the gun and we had to act fast,” Monzo said of the coordination needed to plan a full-blown air show in just weeks. “We’ve done this about 30 times since I’ve been here.”

The return of the Snowbirds, which performed at Westmoreland’s airshow in 2016 and 2019, comes less than a year after the authority’s last air show in September featured no jet team performances.

Snowbirds and other major acts from past years such as the Blue Angels and Thunderbirds are not paid. Hotels, local transportation and some meals for the acts are paid from proceeds of the air show. The Westmoreland show has a $280,000 budget this year that is funded through sponsorships and ticket sales.

This year’s event features nine aerial acts including a U.S. Air Force tactical demonstration team flying an F-16 jet known for its high-decibel engine; Class of 45, featuring two World War II-era aircraft and the West Point Parachute Team.

Spectator parking will be available on the airport property. Officials said as many as 20,000 other spectators are expected to watch the shows from nearby vantage points.

“This show is important for us to get the word out about the airport, what we have here. This will help fill up over 500 rooms in local hotels and fill up local restaurants. It’s a great economic driver to our region,” Monzo said.