Manitowoc, WI - The crowds stood in amazement as the stunt pilots did their magical flying and the F-18 and the F-16 screamed through the air in the pouring rain. The Army’s Golden Knights Parachute team jumped and landed on their mark with a precision that few would be able to accomplish.

Sunday, the show was delayed a short time as the cloud ceiling had to reach the required minimum of two thousand feet in order for the planes to fly as required by the Federal Aviation Association (FAA). The winds were brisk making it very difficult for the Army’s parachute team to maneuver, but by the end of the show, there was a gorgeous blue sky for the backdrop of the planes. With the humidity levels being as they were, it made for a beautiful example of contrails and moisture vapor around the high speed planes.

Civil Air Patrol has had a working relationship with the Manitowoc air show for 11 years. Its job is to “Post the Colors” before each show, help park cars, and provide general security around the planes and crowds. This year, a new twist was added for a couple of cadets who were chosen to be the mascot for the fire department. They downed the “Fire Pup” outfit and greeted children at the air show while other cadets handed out Jr. Firefighter badges. Long days of standing or walking were rewarded with “front row” seats as CAP members secured the flight line for the air show.

---