December 5, 2011
Warm hellos to our valued sponsors, website visitors from Alaska and around the world, and all Arctic Thunder Air Show Enthusiasts!
We are attending the annual International Council of Air Shows convention with our Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson colleagues acquiring acts and other support. It would be an understatement to say that things are moving at a very fast pace.
Since meeting with the Wing Leadership during Thanksgiving week, we learned that Arctic Thunder 2012 was a go. We immediately began our planning for the show, contacting potential performers, sponsors, and working with the base on several important issues.
We’ve all seen the austere budgets the Department of Defense is facing; the Air Force is not immune. But Arctic Thunder has also been about the wonderful support of the Anchorage community and our incredible sponsors. The attendance bears it out: one third of the Alaskan population attends Arctic Thunder over the course of the two days.
Today, we can share that Arctic Thunder 2012 will be as exciting as ever. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will be soaring across our skies, and the U.S. Army Golden Knight parachute team will provide a spectacular, patriotic opening. The Alaska Air Show Association is in the process of contracting several civilian acts and WWII vintage warbirds. Please stay tuned to our website for updates—you are going to be thrilled!
Mark your calendars for July 28th and 29th in 2012. Here comes Arctic Thunder!
Bill Kontess
President, Alaska Air Show Association
