Deemed a Huge Success and Gives Back to the Community – Show announces economic impact, confirmation of 2015 event and more
LOS ANGELES (April 24, 2014) – The Los Angeles County Air Show Board of Directors today announced that the inaugural event exceeded expectations and provided a significant boost to the local economy. Additionally, the proceeds from the event will fund several scholarships to regional youth and provide seed money for the 2015 Air Show.
“Based on the success of the show, the positive feedback from our guests and the overwhelming support of the community and our partners, the board has committed to making the Air Show an annual event,” said J.D. Kennedy, president of the Los Angeles County Air Show board of directors.
The boost to the local economy and outlying area was significant. Initial projections show $6.6 million in direct economic impact with indirect impact numbers currently being determined. A monetary stipend was also awarded to more than 20 local non-profit groups who provided assistance to the master concessionaire. In the near future, the Air Show board will announce the Los Angeles County Air Show Regional Scholarship Program and its application process for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or aerospace.
The show welcomed more than 103,000 spectators over the two-day event at Fox Field with 26,000 attendees on Friday and 77,000 attending on Saturday.
“I’m very pleased with the success of the event, we’re thankful of the support from our sponsors and proud of the hard work our volunteers put in to make this event a success despite the unusually short notice we had to get the show off the ground,” said Dennis Dunbar, executive director of the Los Angeles County Air Show. “We are all excited about having a whole year to work on improvements that will enhance guest experience and allow us to add several exciting elements to the show.”
The Air Show will work to enhance the event’s infrastructure and expand capacity for future shows. Areas of improvement will include parking lots, additional restrooms and expanding spectator areas where crowds naturally concentrate.
“The development of this show was a long awaited event in a very special area of the world,” added Kennedy. “We couldn’t be more proud of our local volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring a world class aerospace event to the Antelope Valley. Not only did they help produce a safe and unforgettable air show, friendships were made that will last a lifetime.”
The Air Show board is currently planning a volunteer appreciation event at Fox Field on May 15th where volunteers will close the books on the 2014 show and begin preparation for 2015. On May 17th, the board will also hold an event to thank the youth organizations that graciously volunteered their time and provided support including the JROTC, Civil Air Patrol, Explorers and Sea Cadets.
The organization is also looking forward to supporting and participating in other community events throughout the year starting with the Poppy Festival this weekend where Air Show t-shirts will be available for the first time.
The Los Angeles County Air Show web site will continue to be updated regularly with news, attraction information and more. Fans can follow the Air Show on Facebook and Twitter (@LACountyAirShow). If you are interested in sponsorship information or being involved with the 2015 Air Show please email [email protected].
The following sponsors and community partners generously contributed to the 2014 Los Angeles County Air Show: City of Lancaster, Southern California Toyota Dealers, Lockheed Martin, Destination Lancaster, Northrop Grumman, California Compaction Corporation, Waste Management and Time Warner Cable.
About Los Angeles County Air Show
The Los Angeles County Air Show, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit corporation (status pending) dedicated to promoting the importance of aviation for continued economic growth, inspiration and educational opportunities for our youth, and enhancing awareness for the service and sacrifice of our military men and women. The mission of the Air Show will, in part, be accomplished by giving back to the needs of the community through a regional scholarship program for individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in the areas of science, technology, engineering, math or aerospace. For more information about the Los Angeles County Air Show, please visitwww.lacountyairshow.com.
