By MIKE COURSON
Great Bend Post
Great Bend Airfest, scheduled every three years and planned for September 20-22 this fall, is one of the premier airshows in the United States. This year, organizers have plans to reach out to all communities in Barton County. Barton County helped sponsor the event three years ago and gave away tickets to the event. Great Bend Community Coordinator Christina Hayes approached the Barton County Commission Tuesday morning for an even bigger package for the 2024 show.
"We would like to sweeten the deal and propose that," she said, "but then also a sponsorship that would help create a county-wide recognition by scheduling a flyover for each and every Barton County community on behalf of the Barton County Commissioners."
Great Bend Airport Manager Martin Miller said the 2024 show will cost approximately $300,000, and organizers are seeking sponsors to help drive down ticket costs. The city of Great Bend has pledged a $25,000 sponsorship. The board of commissioners agreed to up their sponsorship from $8,000 three years ago to $25,000 for the 2024 show. Commission Chair Barb Esfeld, speaking to Miller, said it is important to keep ticket prices low.
"This is amazing," she said. "We want everybody to be able to take their families to it. It is, by far, one of the best air shows."
Hayes said Airfest attendees will see an increase in ticket prices this year. Miller said even at those higher costs, prices will likely be half of what could be expected of other shows of this magnitude.