Quad City Air Show continues to be a family event run by Hopper family
The Quad City Air Show begins Saturday at the Davenport Municipal Airport. It’s a 33-year-old tradition that families look forward to every year.
Organizers of the family-run event are keeping safety in mind as temperatures go sky-high.
It’s the only family-run air show in the United States. Evan Hopper, who is a part of that family, says that keeps people coming back every year.
“I think it even goes outside our Hopper family right, like I think anyone that gets around us and gets to know this show, we treat them like family as well and that vibe kind of carries all the way through,” he said.
Over the years, Hopper’s involvement in the show has evolved.
“I would say I’ve been doing it since I was born. I think I was born the week after the air show in 1996, so it was always a thing growing up and as soon as I could get in a golf cart and drive I was pretty much helping out.”
He reminds visitors how to beat the heat:
“Definitely bring a big water bottle – you’re gonna want that. We do have water obviously for sale but bring your own water. Bring a big jug of it and honestly act like you’re going to the beach or a lake for the day bring some sunscreen,” Hopper said. “Make sure you’re prepared and that you know your limits. I will say one thing: You can leave during the day and get a stamp and come back so if you’re at all feeling overheated don’t be afraid to go back to your hotel or your house or anything and cool down.”
Planes are the center attraction, but it’s the people Hopper looks forward to every year.
“My favorite part of it, it sounds cheesy, but it really is the people that I get to work with, and hear all of the pilots’ stories, as well as all of the volunteers who really care about this show and care about this community and care about furthering aviation and the practice of it.”
The air show is Saturday and Sunday at the Davenport Municipal Airport in Mt. Joy. Gates open both days at 9:30 a.m, with the main air shows taking off around 1 p.m.
One day tickets for Saturday are $50, and one-day tickets for Sunday are $30. for more information, visit here.
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