PHILIPSBURG--Spectators showed up in droves for the first ever Air Show over the skies of Great Bay and the encompassing Family Fun Day on Boardwalk Boulevard on Sunday. Many also viewed the spectacle from the surrounding hills nearby.
Performing aerobatic pilots Melissa Pemberton and Skip Stewart looped, rolled, spun and tumbled in their single-engine airplanes under the gaze of the large crowd. A parachute team from the French side was well-received as a surprise factor during the show, although the act had been announced.
For attendees near Walter Plantz Pier in Downstreet Philipsburg, expert commentary by award-winning Red Bull Air Race pilot Frank Versteegh, who also coordinated the show, and Lt. Colonel Peter Hardenbol, who has worked in the Dutch Air Force, also added to the experience.
Some attendees commented that while they really enjoyed the Air Show, they wished it were longer. Organisers hope that this Air Show will be the first of many and have pegged May 15 for another event.
The Air Show was organised by Princess Juliana International Airport SXM, which hosted the Family Fun Day from 12:00 noon to 12:00 midnight with a jam-packed line-up of music, entertainment and activities, including children’s activities, live music and dancing.
A special edition of the Boardwalk Jazz Festival also took place as part of the entertainment line-up, following the Air Show. This included local, regional and international artistes and was organised in collaboration with the Downstreet Community Council.
Spectators show up in droves for Air Show
