Cherry Point Air Show draws a crowd

Despite unseasonably hot triple-digit temperatures, more than 170,000 people attended this year's Cherry Point Air Show, according to Marine Corps officials.

"Even with the sweltering heat, we were extremely pleased with the amount of attendees that showed up," said Bob Kenward, head of Marine Corps Community Services which is in charged of putting on the show. "It goes to show that people still enjoy our air show no matter what the weather."

Kenward said that official crowd counts were provided by military police. The Friday night show drew 28,912, while Saturday's total hit 81,774. Sunday saw 67,484 people for a total of 178,170 for the weekend.

Although the temperature was high, there was a benefit in the weather as clear blue skies made a perfect backdrop for the many aerobatic performances. 

"Logistics wise everything went smooth as silk," Kenward said.

The heat did cause some problems, with some of those attending suffering from heat-related illnesses. One official estimated 30 calls went out for medical attention on Saturday. The temperature Saturday and Sunday hit 103 on the tarmac.

Officials turned on sprinklers, set up cooling stations and allowed small coolers with bottled water at the show Sunday to help attendees beat the heat.

Kenward said it is too early to estimate the financial success of the event.

"It's way too early to have any feedback on income streams," he said. "We have several methods of income to help offset the cost of hosting the show. This includes corporate sponsorships, merchandising sales, concession sales, tarmac exhibit sales, preferred seating, and outdoor recreational expo sales."

Outside the gates of the air station, Havelock hotels were booked all weekend.

"I have heard that all of our hotels that are members of the chamber were booked to capacity," said Reine Lewis, executive director of the Havelock Chamber of Commerce.

 "It will still take a few days for people to realize how well they did. Certainly the hotels

were filled to the gills."

Edie Keith, manager at the Comfort Inn in Havelock, said most rooms at the hotel were booked by those working at the show.

"The air show has always been good for business," he said.

Monique Ince, manager of the Hampton Inn of Havelock, said the weekend had been booked since December, with air show vendors making up most of the reservations.

Now that the 2008 air show is over, Kenward said the 2009 show isn't that far away.

"As of now, we will sit down and go over in depth all of our after action items and comments and begin discussion and preparation for the next air show in 2009," he said.