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on Buckeye January

Message from Buckeye’s Mayor Eric Orsborn

on Buckeye

3 4 8 the official publication of the city of Buckeye

January 2026

What to Expect

Event Details

Meet the Airshow Performers

Air Fair Tips

I am absolutely thrilled to invite you to join us for an unforgettable weekend of high-flying fun at the 2026 Buckeye Air Fair and AOPA Fly-in, taking place February 1315 at the Buckeye Municipal Airport!

What began as a small airport open house has truly evolved into a major aviation event. Last year, we welcomed over 35,000 spectators who were captivated by the breathtaking performances and who contributed over $5 million to our local economy. This incredible success highlights our city’s commitment to aviation and our airport’s potential to become a thriving economic hub for Buckeye.

The 2026 Air Fair is set to be another spectacular event, featuring both cherished crowd-favorite performers and exciting new acts. Prepare to be amazed by breathtaking aerial displays, including a thrilling nighttime airshow and fireworks extravaganza! We are honored to announce a performance by the USMC MV-22 Osprey Demo Team! Witness the incredible versatility of this tiltrotor aircraft as it transitions from vertical takeoff to high-speed flight. We are also proud to partner once again with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) to bring you this incredible event and provide another fantastic Fly-In opportunity for our guests.

Beyond the thrills in the sky, we are dedicated to launching the next generation of aviators. The Aviation Academy is back, giving kids a front-row seat to the world of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). It’s a unique, hands-on opportunity for young pilots to see how science and technology literally take flight.

This edition of Eye on Buckeye is designed to prepare you for the sky-high thrills and introduce you to this year’s all-new features.

CITY OF BUCKEYE

530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

623.349.6000

For more information on this publication, contact John O’Halloran at johalloran@buckeyeaz.gov

BUCKEYE CITY COUNCIL

Eric Orsborn, Mayor

Tony Youngker, District 1

Jamaine Berry, District 2

Curtis Beard, District 3

Patrick HagEstad, District 4

Craig Heustis, District 5

Clay Goodman, Vice Mayor, District 6

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the thrill of aviation with your family and friends. Mark your calendars for a weekend filled with fun!

I look forward to seeing you there!

WHAT TO EXPECT BUCKEYE AIR FAIR AT

• All-new Airshows Friday through Sunday

• Adrenaline-pumping Saturday night show featuring fireworks and drones

• Robust aircraft exhibits

• Aviation Academy –Interactive hands-on area for younger aviators

• Soar Seminar Tent – Aviationled discussions and meetand-greet with pilots

• Historic military vehicle and aircraft displays

• Kid’s Zone – featuring an obstacle course and zip line

• Field Trip Friday

• AOPA Exhibit Hall showcasing the latest new tech, gear and services

• Aviation Seminars & Forums

• AOPA Pilot Town Hall & Rusty Pilot Seminar

• Aerobatic performer autographs

• Flightline VIP Chalets

• Flightline Box Seating

Admission to the Buckeye Air Fair and AOPA Fly-In is free but if you want to get an upclose view of the high energy airshow, the VIP treatment is for you. Benefits include preferred parking passes, premier seating, light refreshments and access to private restrooms.

Purchase your tickets in advance online at buckeyeaz.gov/vip, prices increase at event. Limited seating is available.

Front-Row

Flightline Experience!

Box seating is a front-row unobstructed view of the flight line giving you full view access of the show. Tickets include tables and chairs, VIP parking and a bottle of water. Sold in packs of four or eight.

Photo Pit Access

Capture the air show action up close for those spectacular visuals to elevate your portfolio. More info at buckeyeairfair.com.

Getting There

• All traffic must use I-10 and exit south on Palo Verde Rd.

• For safety concerns, cars approaching from the south will be redirected to SR-85 and then to I-10 for event entry

• Southbound Palo Verde Road will be used for inbound traffic only from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday

Parking

Purchase your parking passes today! (Price increases to $15 on Feb. 13)

Multi-day parking passes available too!

Purchase parking passes online in advance at buckeyeairfair.com

ADA & Chair Rentals

Make your visit to the Air Fair effortless! We have partnered with Copper Star Home Medical Supplies to offer wheelchair and mobility power scooter rentals, ensuring you can navigate the event with ease.

We’ve also teamed up with conCHAIRto to provide convenient chair rentals. Reserve seating in advance, and it will be ready for pickup when you arrive.

KIDS ZONE!

Rides, bounce houses and ziplines! Access the Kids Zone activities with the purchase of a wristband for all day fun. Pre-purchased passes are available online at buckeyeairfair.com

(Price increases to $20 Friday, February 13)

GhostWriter Airshows

GhostWriter’s nighttime aerobatic display is back by high demand. Nathan’s airshow journey began early, taking flight at two weeks old on his mother’s lap. Influenced by upbringing, he honed his skills, ensuring safe yet breathtaking aerial displays. Today, GhostWriter takes flight in a riveting routine with loops, rolls and daring verticals, captivating audiences at every turn. As night falls, he illuminates the sky with 200 pounds of pyrotechnics, casting a spellbinding display against the stars, a true dance in the night.

MEET YOUR 2026

MV-22 Osprey Demonstration Team

The Buckeye Airshow is proud to welcome the U.S. Marine Corps for a debut showcase of the MV-22 Osprey. Known for its distinctive tiltrotor design, the Osprey bridges the gap between rotary-wing agility and fixed-wing speed. Its ability to transition from vertical flight for takeoffs and landings to horizontal flight for high-speed transit makes it one of the most versatile assets in the Marine Corps arsenal.

SRC Airshows

This no-holds-barred dual act slams together the blistering speed of the Slayer Jet Car and the heart-stopping precision of the Gamebird GBI flown by airshow standout Stephen Covington. Behind the wheel, jet-car legend Mark Smith unleashes the 1953 corvette with a J34 engine with fire, smoke and thunder as it rockets down the runway, perfectly timed with screaming low passes overhead.

PAIRSHOW ERFORMERS!

NextGen Eagles Aerobatic

Leland has always been looking up at airplanes. His parents got him his first flight lessons at the age of 13 and he went solo on his 16th birthday. Now flying an Eagle II, his engaging airshow connects with everybody from first timers to long time airshow veterans. The world’s only Christen Eagle aerobatic team, with tons of smoke and beautiful colors, the show is not one to miss!

Radial Rumble

Hailing from Overland Park, KS, pilot Jeff Shetterly is a third-generation aviator who grew up in Indianapolis. Jeff graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and served in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and deployed several times to the Balkans, leaving military service in 2001. In the years since, Jeff has become an instrument rated commercial pilot. Jeff hopes his performance flying his yellow T-6 Texan will be an inspiration to all, and he is constantly humbled and enjoys learning from veterans.

Tryg Aviation

Husband-and-wife duo Mike Tryggvason and Samantha Tryggvason deliver a breathtaking wing walking performance that blends classic aviation with modern adrenaline. Wingwalker Sam has honed her craft at shows across North America since 2014. A decade later, she is pleased to debut her roaring, smoke-bellowing, beautiful Grumman Airshow-Cat. Pilot Mike has flown precision aerobatics at shows since 2011.

Commemorative Air Force

AOPA FLY-IN

Buckeye is proud to be partnering with the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association for another awesome AOPA Fly-In at the 2026 Buckeye Air Fair. AOPA attracts pilots from all over the country to display their personal aircraft while attending seminars, experiencing hands-on aircraft displays and listening to lectures from industry experts.

AVIATION ACADEMY

Field Trip Friday

USAF Wings of Blue

The U.S. Air Force’s premier parachute demonstration team delivers a breathtaking blend of precision, patriotism and athletic excellence. Performing in front of millions of spectators each year, this world-class team showcases elite skydiving skills while inspiring audiences with professionalism, teamwork and pride in service. Their dynamic aerial demonstrations are a highlight you won’t want to miss.

The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is committed to honoring our aviation heritage. By restoring and flying historic aircraft, the CAF brings history to life. This year’s show will feature their Squadron, including the F6F Hellcat, the A6M3 Zero and the PBJ Mitchell. Witness these legendary aircraft in action as they soar through the skies, demonstrating the skill and innovation of past generations.

Airshow Announcer

Jeff Overby

Jeff Overby became hooked on aviation in 1996 after attending a local fly-in. He was offered a ride and that is all that it took to get him hooked on aviation. He enjoys the unlimited freedom, speed and feeling of G-Force as he regularly takes to the skies. He has owned several airplanes from Cessna’s, Float & Ski equipped Piper Super Cub and several aerobatic models. Jeff now travels from his home base of Phoenix, AZ with wife Melissa and two children Trevin and Lindsey, entertaining crowds at some of the largest airshows in the United States.

5th to 12th grade students are invited to explore aviation STEAM through interactive and hands-on activities while speaking to pilots. The airport will be open for them to move around and experience each booth while learning all about the science behind aviation. Register your class or homeschool group at buckeyeaz.gov/aviationacademy

Arizona SciTech Festival Saturday

Visitors will be able to discover, experience and explore aviation STEAM through interactive and hands on activities.

Flight School Sunday

If you are interested in learning to fly, you are invited to attend Flight School Sunday. You will learn the basics about flying from RC Flyers and other pilots. You can test out what you learned via flight simulators, where you become the pilot. If you want to take your training to the next level, information about flight schools will be available for your next step on becoming a pilot.

HISTORIC MILITARY DISPLAYS

Come experience living history up close with a wide variety of antique military vehicles from World War I to the Gulf Wars. Walk around, get close-up, hear and see the vehicles and take in the sights of authentic military transport. The Arizona Military Vehicle Collectors Club is proud to partner with the Buckeye Air Fair for this massive display of historic vehicles.

CONCERTS

New for 2026, join us for live music both Saturday and Sunday at the Air Fair!

SATURDAY: SUNDAY:

10 a.m.: Western Fusion 10 a.m.: Matt Farris

3 p.m.: Shari Rowe

p.m.: Kruse Brothers

530 E. Monroe Ave. Buckeye, AZ 85326

NO. 1

Helpful Tips

Follow these tips so you and your family have a great day at the Buckeye Air Fair! Note: There are no ATMs on site. Complete details on everything for the Buckeye Air Fair is at buckeyeairfair.com