2009 FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW BEST EVER

The 2009 Florida International AirShow last week was the best ever according to show organizers. Chairman of the Board Fred Buckingham says that “65,000 spectators attended last week’s show.” He added that it is the biggest crowd in the 29-year history of the Charlotte County event. “We pride ourselves in putting on a quality event each and every year,” Buckingham added, “and area residents respond. We would like to thank everyone who attended our charity event.”

Proceeds from the Florida International Air Show are distributed to area charities. To date the show has contributed over 2.3 million dollars.

ICAS, the International Council of Air Shows, says that the trend for air shows across the country is higher attendance even though the economy is down.

"Families are cutting costs, but they're still looking for quality entertainment," said John Cudahy, president of the International Council of Air Shows. "That's why air show attendance spikes in a bad economy. Ticket prices are low, but the entertainment value is high." Cudahy reported a 12 to 15 percent increase in air show attendance during 2008, which followed patterns witnessed during 1980-1982 and 1990-1991 recessions.

For more information contact Fred Buckingham at 941-575-9431