ROME, Ga. — One of the largest air shows in the southeast will host the Air Force Thunderbirds and top aerobatic aircraft during the Wings Over North Georgia air show.
The Thunderbirds and A-10C Thunderbolt II will return to north Georgia on October 24 and 25. The Army’s Golden Knights parachute team is scheduled to take to the skies above the autumn-colored landscape.
For one Thunderbird, the Rome air show will be a home-coming. Capt. Remoshay Nelson has invited family and friends from nearby Douglasville, Georgia to the event.
“I am excited for Wings over North Georgia and look forward to returning home to perform for my friends, family, and the Rome community,” Public Affairs Officer Capt. Nelson told AvGeekery.com on Friday.
“2020 has been a challenging year for the country; and it is my hope our aerial demonstration can bring some pride and inspiration for air show attendees,” she added.
North Georgia is on a short list of shows featuring the Thunderbirds and A-10 Warthog. The few remaining air shows are working together to develop a safer format.
Following the cancellation of hundreds of U.S. air shows due to Covid, a new air show format has become a positive alternative. The ‘drive-in airshow’ has been successfully proven at previous military air shows to promote social distancing.
“We transitioned to a drive-in air show model that fully satisfies the wide range of safety concerns while allowing us to bring exciting entertainment at a family-style venue,” John Cowman, Airshow organizer and president of JLC AirShow Management, said on Thursday. “We believe this is the ‘shot in the arm’ our community needs right now, especially during the fall, one of the most beautiful times of the year in our area.”
Richard Russell Airport will become a drive-in parking lot around the main runway. Cowman explains ticket purchases are per vehicle and available online only.
“Many events and most air shows have been forced to cancel during the pandemic,” Cowman added from the Rome flightline. “My team and I have worked diligently with local and regional officials and authorities to find creative and safe ways to host this year’s air show and avoid cancellation.”
Wings Over North Georgia officials explain there will be portable restroom accommodations and food vending sites. Cowman encourages guests to also bring their own food and drinks to Georgia’s largest tailgate party.
(Charles A Atkeison reports on aerospace and technology. Follow his updates via social media @Military_Flight.)
