Budget Cuts Won't Stop the Airshow, Fireworks at Tacoma's 4th of July Freedom Fair

While federal budget cuts, slow-to-materialize sponsorships and donations are preventing fireworks from flying high in the sky at events like Seafair, volunteers for Tacoma's 4th of July extravaganza promise their air show and fireworks display will not be stopped.

"It is a decades-old tradition for thousands of people to stroll along the Ruston Way Waterfront among 200 options that create two miles of smiles on Independence Day," said Doug Miller, an organizer of this event for almost 30 years. "It’s the wide variety of entertainment options and the beautiful setting helped get the Tacoma Freedom Fair named one of the 10 "World’s Best” fireworks events by the Travel Channel.” 

This year, dozens of air shows around the country have been cancelled in the wake of sequestration cuts to the military, including support provided to the aerial demonstration teams like the Blue Angels. 

The Department of Defense (DOD) has cancelled all of the services single ship demonstration teams, as well as the USAF Thunderbirds.  They have all been ordered to stand down. 

Freedom Fair organizers have relied on the military participation to help round out the two-hour long afternoon air show with F-16’s, Harrier Jump Jets, F/A-18’s and Legacy and Heritage Flights.

Last year, the Air Force selected the Tacoma Freedom Fair Air Show to introduce their latest air superiority fighter, the F-22 Raptor, to Northwest aviation fans for the first time. The year before, the US Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps all sent single ship demonstration teams to participate in the Freedom Fair. 

With those aircraft now gone, Tacoma Air Show planners have reached out to more civilian performers to ensure the show is as fun and exciting as possible. This year organizers will feature vintage military aircraft and other thrilling aerobatic performers. 

"It will be entertaining. This year will feature Tim Weber flying his Extra 300, Vicky Benzing in a Stearman Biplane, Greg Colyer in the T-33 'Ace Maker,' plus Bud and Ross Granley in the 'Dueling Yaks.' All these performers will work very hard to thrill the crowd,” said air show director Doug Fratoni. 

All this fun comes at a cost says the Tacoma Events Commission, and that’s where individual citizens and businesses can help. The Freedom Fair is presented by a community-based, volunteer-driven, non-profit 501(c)(3) non-profit Tacoma Events Commission. It is independent of the city, and commission members volunteer and work all year to prepare for the annual event. 

"We have to rely on the generosity of people to help meet the financial and staffing needs required to produce one of the biggest 4th of July celebrations in the United States. This year is no different.  In fact, the need has increased," said Miller. "Sponsors and donors are in short supply. We are asking business people and private citizens to help keep the air show and the other 4th of July traditions alive to step forward."

Miller adds his group is "taking a leap of faith" to present the Freedom Fair this year.

"The bills will be paid from the support received right up to the day of the event with the donations dropped in buckets at the gate," he said.

The events office does not have enough volunteers to answer the phones so please register your interest or donation on the event website.

Visit www.FreedomFair.com for details or call (253) 507-9357 if you don’t have internet access.

Information provided by the Tacoma Events Commission