Buckeye
3 4 8 the official publication of the city of Buckeye
January 2025
COUNCIL UPDATE District 3 Representative Curtis Beard on
What to Expect
Meet the Airshow Performers
Air Fair Tips
Get ready for an unforgettable weekend of big-time fun at the 2025 Buckeye Air Fair, February 14 - 16 at the Buckeye Municipal Airport! The 2025 Airshow is set to be another spectacular event, featuring both crowd-favorite performers and exciting new acts. Prepare to be amazed by breathtaking aerial displays, including an illuminating nighttime airshow and fireworks extravaganza. We’re proud to partner once again with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to bring you this incredible event and provide another fantastic Fly-In opportunity for our guests.
CITY OF BUCKEYE
530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326
623.349.6000
For more information on this publication, contact John O’Halloran at johalloran@buckeyeaz.gov or call 623.349.6976
BUCKEYE CITY COUNCIL
Eric Orsborn, Mayor
Tony Youngker, District 1
Jamaine Berry, District 2
Curtis Beard, District 3
Patrick HagEstad, District 4
Craig Heustis, Vice Mayor, District 5
Clay Goodman, District 6
What began as a small airport open house has evolved into a major aviation event. Last year, over 35,000 spectators were captivated by the breathtaking performances and contributed over $5 million to our local economy. The Buckeye Air Fair highlights our city’s commitment to aviation and our airport’s potential to become a thriving economic hub.
This edition of the Eye on Buckeye will prepare you for the sky-high thrills and introduce you to this year’s all new acts. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the thrill of aviation with your family and friends. Mark your calendars and join us for a weekend filled with breathtaking aerial displays, inspiring aviation exhibits and family-friendly fun.
Event Details
Dates & Times
• Friday, Feb. 14: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 15: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
• Airshow from noon - 1:30 p.m.
• Airshow from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 16: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
• Airshow from 1 - 3:30 p.m.
Getting There
• All traffic must use I-10 and exit south on Palo Verde Rd.
• For safety concerns, cars approaching from the south will be redirected to SR-85 and then to I-10 for event entry
• Southbound Palo Verde Road will be used for inbound traffic only from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday
Parking
$10
Purchase your parking passes today! (Price increases to $15 on Feb. 14)
Multi-day parking passes available too!
Purchase parking passes online in advance at buckeyeairfair.com
Event Map
WHAT TO EXPECT
3 days of activities & fun for the family!
• Saturday’s airshow brings an adrenaline pumping night show
• Robust aircraft displays
• Aviation Academy – interactive hands-on area geared towards younger aviators
• Arizona Military Vehicle Show
• Kid’s Zone
• Field Trip Friday - get a hands-on, interactive aviation tour
• AOPA Exhibit Hall showcasing the latest new tech, gear and services
• Aviation Seminars & Forumsworld class education content
There’s still time to sign up for Field Trip Friday!
BUCKEYE
FAIR
If you want to get an up-close view of the high energy airshow, the VIP treatment is for you. Benefits include preferred parking passes, premier seating, light
Front-Row Flightline Experience!
Box seating is a frontrow unobstructed view of the flight line giving you full view access of the show. Tickets include VIP parking and a bottle of water.
Purchase your tickets in advance online at buckeyeaz.gov/vip, prices increase at event. Limited seating is available.
Rides, bounce houses and ziplines! Access the Kids Zone activities with the purchase of a wristband for all day fun. Prepurchased passes are available online at buckeyeairfair.com
(Price increases to $20 Friday, February 14)
Meet your 2025 AIRSHOW PERFORMERS Meet your 2025 AIRSHOW PERFORMERS
Jon Melby Airshow
A Valley local, John has been one of our staple performers since the beginning. With the wide variety of performers and aircraft on the airshow circuit today, Jon concentrates on flying freestyle maneuvers in a modern biplane. Although the biplane has a classic look, Jon keeps the audience’s attention with his aggressive performance style. He takes time prior to the show to mingle with the crowd, which energizes them up and makes the crowd feel as if they are part of his performance.
GhostWriter Airshows
GhostWriter’s nighttime aerobatic display is back by high demand. Nathan’s airshow journey began early, taking flight at two weeks old on his mother’s lap. Influenced by upbringing, he honed his skills, ensuring safe yet breathtaking aerial displays. Today, GhostWriter takes flight in a riveting routine with loops, rolls and daring verticals, captivating audiences at every turn. As night falls, he illuminates the sky with 200 pounds of pyrotechnics, casting a spellbinding display against the stars, a true dance in the night.
GO EZ Aerobatics
Kyle Fowler’s passion for aviation was ignited early on, following in his father’s footsteps. By 12, he was determined to become an aerobatic pilot. At 21, he took a significant step by obtaining his private pilot’s license. This marked the beginning of his airshow career. Today, Kyle balances his time between flying various aircraft, including a PA-31 Navajo Chieftain, a Kodiak and his distinctive 1986 Long EZ.
Red Thunder Airshows
The Red Thunder Airshows brings precision aerobatics that thrill crowds across America with exciting displays of breathtaking maneuvers. This two ship performance features aviation professionals that put on crowd-pleasing shows in Russian Yak 50 airplanes with unmistakable radial engine sound, smoke, tight formation flying and jaw-dropping solo maneuvers.
Aerial Extreme Skydiving Team
The team was started by its team Captain, former Army Officer, Tom Talbott. After his time in the military, he set out to put together a world class performance team that is made up of former special operations soldiers and world class skydivers. Together they hold numerous national and world records in the sport. Over the years the team has developed and pioneered several lighted suits, smoke and pyrotechnic devices used by skydiving teams throughout the world.
Brett Hunter
Brett Hunter’s lifelong passion for flight began with childhood memories of flying his father’s Piper Tripacer. This early fascination led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Airway Sciences from Ohio University. With experience in over 150 aircraft types, Brett is a highly accomplished aviator. He has represented the U.S. on the Unlimited Aerobatic World Team twice and has claimed numerous championships in the Midwest and Northeast.
AOPA Fly-In
Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is committed to honoring our aviation heritage. By restoring and flying historic aircraft, the CAF brings history to life. This year’s show will feature their Squadron, including the F6F Hellcat, the A6M3 Zero and the PBJ Mitchell. Witness these legendary aircraft in action as they soar through the skies, demonstrating the skill and innovation of past generations.
Airshow
Announcer
Jeff Overby
Jeff Overby became hooked on aviation in 1996 after attending a local fly-in. He was offered a ride and that is all that it took to get him hooked on aviation. He enjoys the unlimited freedom, speed and feeling of G-Force as he regularly takes to the skies. He has owned several airplanes from Cessna’s, Float & Ski equipped Piper Super Cub and several aerobatic models. Jeff now travels from his home base of Phoenix, AZ with wife Melissa and two children Trevin and Lindsey, entertaining crowds at some of the largest airshows in the United States.
eye on buckeye
Buckeye is proud to be partnering with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for another awesome AOPA Fly-In at the 2025 Buckeye Air Fair. AOPA attracts pilots from all over the country to display their personal aircraft while attending seminars, experiencing hands-on aircraft displays and listening to lectures from industry experts.
Aviation Academy
Field Trip Friday
5th to 12th grade students are invited to explore aviation STEAM through interactive and hands on activities while speaking to pilots. The airport will be open for them to move around and experience each booth while learning all about the science behind aviation.
Arizona SciTech Festival Saturday
Visitors at the Air Fair will be able to discover, experience and explore aviation STEAM through interactive and hands on activities.
Flight School Sunday
If you are interested in learning to fly, you are invited to attend Flight School Sunday. You will learn the basics about flying from RC Flyers and other pilots. You can test out what you learned via flight simulators, where you become the pilot. If you want to take your training to the next level, information about flight schools will be available for your next step on becoming a pilot.
Sign up for the Aviation Academy at buckeyeaz. gov/aviationacademy.
Sign Up as a Volunteer
Be part of the thrill that makes the Buckeye Air Fair an annual success! Volunteer for a variety of positions and get a premium view of this highflying event. Volunteers will receive a free parking pass, complementary shirt and lunch (based on availability). Volunteering is open for groups or individual participation, ages 16+. Complete details, and volunteer sign up at buckeyeairfair.com.
• Feb. 14 – Assisting with Field Trip Friday, Kids Zone, Set Up & Clean Up Crews
• Feb. 15 & 16 – Locations include Kids Zone, Volunteer Hangar and Event Booths
Become a Vendor
Showcase your business or non-profit agency at Buckeye’s most popular event, the 2025 Buckeye Air Fair. More than 35,000 spectators attend each year, and vendors with an aviation focus are welcome to participate.
Visit buckeyeairfair.com for the vendor application form and email it to airfair@buckeyeaz.gov.
530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326
NO. 1
Helpful Tips
Follow these tips so you and your family have a great day at the Buckeye Air Fair! Note: There are no ATMs on site. Complete details on everything for the Buckeye Air Fair is at buckeyeairfair.com.
Bring plenty of water (No glass bottles)
Bring a hat Bring hearing protection (Especially for kids)
Sunscreen & sunglasses
Comfortable shoes (Be prepared to walk)
The Do’s
Binoculars (If you want a closer view)
Restrooms are available throughout the airport
Bring the kids Kid’s zone, simulators and other fun activities for the family for the Buckeye Air Fair! for the Buckeye Air Fair!
Strollers/wagons
