(UPDATE Monday, June 24: Housing has been found for the pilots! Thanks to everyone who helped.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
Thunder over Cedar Creek Lake has a popularity problem.
The annual show has become so big — the third largest air show in the state, according to organizers — that they have run out of housing space for the pilots.
Organizers are looking for houses for the pilots to stay, preferably around the lake.
“People in the past have offered to host the pilots, but we’ve never needed it until this year,” said Cedar Creek Veterans Foundation (CCVF) Co.President Gayle Robinson.
The CCVF puts on the air show and exists to raise funds for military charities, including the Fisher House, Hope for the Warriors, and the Navy and Marine Corp Relief Society.
This year’s air show is scheduled for Saturday, July 6.
Robinson said the pilots would likely be in the county from Thursday or Friday until after the show.
Most of the pilots are former military or reservists.
“They are really interesting,” Robinson said. “Our air show is pretty much a history lesson of World War II.”
Those interested in hosting a pilot should call Robinson at 903-451-5054.
Thunder Over Cedar Creek Lake, with title sponsor Amber Di Lane Homes, is a spectacular air show that will entertain and amaze viewers with aerial acrobatics and an up-close-and-personal experience with the power of a jet fighter. Last year’s show drew over 40,000 people.
Find a lst of pilots and planes on the event’s website.