Jul. 9—First time Selfridge Air Show & Open House attendee Sue Johnson said she decided to check out Saturday's event because she just really likes airplanes. But one aircraft in particular truly captured her attention.
"The F-22 Raptor," said Johnson. "I'm really excited to see it."
Most of the attendees at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Harrison Township on Saturday mentioned the United States Air Force's newest fighter aircraft as something that drew them to the show. The day included demonstrations of the F-22 Raptor; Aero L 39 Albatros; C-17 Globemaster III; C-130 Hercules and many other aircraft.
Steve Deyoub of Rochester Hills said he and his sons are airplane aficionados and came to the show to see the various demonstrations and to explore some of the many static displays. He too was looking forward to seeing the F-22 Raptor.
"The F-22 is new so I think that makes it exciting," said Deyoub.
Like many large, public events, the Selfridge Air Show has been on a two-year hiatus due to the COVID pandemic. Many people had made the annual air show a family tradition and were thrilled to be able to participate again this year,
Jason Jewell is a Cub Scout leader from Rochester Hills and typically arranges for members of his troop to attend the air show. This year about a half dozen of them were at Selfridge with him checking out the many displays prior to the start of the flight demonstrations.
"Having the kids be able to see some of the planes close up is just a tremendous experience," said Jewell. "You just see their faces light up. We've always taken a group of scouts to this event and we very much missed it the past two years. It is great to be back."
For Milan's Mike Grutt, the air show brought back a sense of nostalgia. He grew up living at air bases and as a child, air shows were a standard activity for him and his parents. Saturday, he was with his teenage son just taking it all in and fostering a family tradition.
"I bet it has been 30 years since I've been to one of these," said Grutt. "My son and I do a lot of plane spotting out at Detroit Metro and we are both huge into planes so I knew we would both enjoy this today. I am glad they were able to have it this year. Hopefully, we can make this a regular thing."
If you missed seeing the F-22 Raptor, or any other performance at Saturday's air show, you will have another chance during the last day of the Selfridge Air Show on Sunday from 8 a.m. — 4 p.m.
Entrances can be found off North River Road and 21 Mile Road east to Jefferson.
Motorcyclists entering Selfridge ANGB must be wearing helmets, eye protection, protective clothing (long sleeves, pants, gloves), and over-the-ankle footwear.
A complete list of air show details that include links to preferred seating, prohibited items and frequently asked questions, can be found at TeamSelfridge.com. For more information about the list of aircraft visit the Selfridge 2022 Open House and Air Show, like and follow the 127th Wing on Facebook.
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