Somerset air show returns after 20 year hiatus

SOMERSET, Ky. (WTVQ) – The Lake Cumberland Regional Airport says for the first time in 20 years, it has partnered with Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority (SPEDA), the Somerset-Pulaski County Chamber of Commerce and Somernites Cruise to host an air show in Somerset.

“We all kind of brainstormed and thought ‘how can we bring this back to Somerset?’ and we thought what a great time to do that would be on Mustang weekend,” says Kellie Baker, Lake Cumberland Regional Airport director. “We just thought this would be a great time to get everybody out to the airport and just promote the airport as well and make it a great thing for the entire community and families.”

The airport says the air show took about two years to plan and had to be put on hold in 2020 because the coronavirus. Organizers say they weren’t sure what kind of turnout to expect, but they were overwhelmed by the crowds that came out to support.

“Seeing the smiles on people’s faces and just everyone coming up and saying how appreciative they are that we’re actually putting on an air show in this community because there hasn’t been one in so long,” says Baker.

Sunday’s air show went on for two hours, featuring all kinds of different planes and skilled pilots for hundreds of people to watch. Air show organizers say they hope to make this event annual, especially seeing how much the community supported and enjoyed the event.

“I think it’s huge for like the community,” says air show attendee, Mason Boyd. “Just kind of get together and watch the- not be so divided but come together and just watch something and have a common ground with everybody.”