Talk about a fun-filled family event! I know, I know, it sounds so cliché but that was definitely…read morethe case at this past weekend's Biggest Little Airshow at the Pacific Aviation Museum-Pearl Harbor. What makes this airshow the "biggest little" airshow, you ask? The live performances are done by pilots of remote control aircraft. In addition to the main airshow, there were tons of other activities to keep the whole family entertained. The airshow is held on Ford Island, where you usually need military clearance to enter. This event was open to the public and even offered free shuttle rides to and from Ford Island.
Parking was definitely ample; however, the lots they utilized were several parking lots around the hangars so there were many different parking lots available-some near and some far. They also eventually had to use an overflow lot near the residential area. Check-in was a breeze, there were separate lines for those who pre-paid and those who needed to purchase tickets. Old planes and helicopters lined one side of the area which made for great photo ops. Across the aircraft was Hangar 79, where they had aircraft exhibits and activities for kids. Kids had the chance to do an arts and crafts project and make their own gliders and they also had the chance to go inside the aircraft exhibits. The cutest thing was there were flight suits and helmets for kids to wear while they walked around the hangar and take pictures inside of the cockpits.
If that weren't enough, just past Hangar 79 was the Kid's Zone which was lined with bouncy slides, a bouncy obstacle course, rides, a rock climbing wall and a snow mound. Yes, a snow mound, which was basically a huge pile of ice which was desperately needed because it must have been 90 degrees out. How they kept the ice from melting too quickly is beyond me but I know the kids enjoyed it. Prices for the rides and activities were pretty reasonable. The entrance to the bouncy areas were only 2 tickets ($1 each ticket).
Across of the Kid's Zone were bleachers that provided an unobstructed view of the runway and on the other side of the Kid's Zone were food vendors. They had a great mix of food vendors that included pizza, a beer garden, BBQ, shave ice, popcorn, funnel cake, nachos, and a few others. The food was no doubt priced sky high. I recall paying $4 for a bottle of Pepsi and $10 for the nachos; at least they were generous with the nachos and they piled it high with toppings. Anyway, I had a VIP pass for the air show so I didn't have to purchase any more food. The VIP tent, located next to the bleachers, included free drinks (including beer and wine), fresh fruit, vegetables, kalua pork sliders and dumplings. They also had little freebies on the dining tables like pens, magnets and flashlights. The VIP tent also came with a great view of the runway and the best part was shade from the sun.
The actual air show was pretty good for an RC aircraft performance show. They got the show started right with the National Anthem and an introduction of the pilots and their aircraft. The show also gave a tribute to the Battle of Midway Warbird Performers. The Battle of Midway was a huge turning point in WWII where the US Navy became the aggressors of the war. The aircraft were pretty good replicas of the actual aircraft and the pilots proved to be skilled in their craft. They did tricks with the RC planes which included duets, spins, and even landing the aircraft smoothly. They ended the show with candy bombings for the kids, thanks to Jelly Belly!
The Biggest Little Airshow seems to be getting better and better every year. The 2016 event included a lot of new vendors and much more activities for the kids. Our nephews had a blast the entire time they were there and it was a plus that they're already so into learning more about the military and aircraft in general. This is a great, family-friendly event that I hope they continue to have annually. It exhibits and airshow doesn't only teach children about aircraft but it also gives attendees a renewed appreciation for our military and our country.