I.F. air show wins national recognition

Idaho Falls Extreme Blue Thunder Air Show has been recognized as the Blue Angel Air Show of the Year. The city won the award during the International Council of Air Shows annual convention this week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The Blue Angels performed at 34 locations during 2017.

Idaho Falls Air Show Board Chairman Russell Johnson accepted the award.

“I am a very small gear in a huge well-oiled machine,” said Johnson. “The success of the 2017 show was a result of a well-organized team effort.”

According to the US Navy Blue Angels, the award is given annually to a show site that best demonstrates the upper most echelon in Tactical and Operational readiness of the air show site. Additionally, the show site must conform to the strict compliance standards and rigorous mandates of the Blue Angle’s support manual.

The air show cost nearly $1.5 million to produce and operate. After accounting for all costs, including performer fees and accommodations, transportation, marketing and other costs, the air show said it will distribute $120,000 in proceeds to local charities in the coming weeks.