DAYTON — Triple-digit temperatures sent more than two dozen people to local hospitals from the Vectren Dayton Air Show on Saturday, but the performances of the day still fascinated spectators.

“I’m a military aviation enthusiast,” said Brad Begley of Hamilton. “A lot of times, you see all of these planes on TV, but it’s neat just to see them in person.”

The show included the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and more than 10 aircraft. Among them were F-4 Phantoms, the Sea Harrier and fly-bys made by two F-16s and a B-52.

Also, pilot Michael Goulian put on an aerobatic performance for the crowd, making 180-degree turns and maneuvering up and down at seemingly 90-degree angles.

“I think people, in general, have always had a fascination with flight,” said Brenda Kerfoot, general manager of the air show. “That has definitely proven true in Dayton. It all started here — it’s the birthplace of aviation.”

While some were fascinated, others were inspired.

Pat Audet and his son, Adam, drove to Dayton from Monroe, Mich., for more than just the performances. Adam said he wants to be in the Air Force when he gets older.

“Seeing all this cool stuff makes me more excited to be in the military,” he said.

The military men and women who were showing the display planes said part of their job was to inspire children to join the military.

“The air show is like a community outreach program,” said Howell Simpson, who was showing an EC130J, an electronic warfare plane used by the Air Force. “We want community members to know what we do.”

While some were enjoying the performances and activities of the day, others were overcome by the heat.

Throughout the day, 140 people were treated for heat-related illnesses, with an additional 29 people being transported to local hospitals.

“That’s about 30 to 35 percent higher than what we normally experience,” said Bill Mangas, medical operations manager of the air show.

On the first day of the air show last year, there were 111 heat-related distress cases reported and 10 people were sent to hospitals.

However, this year, Mangas said the medical personnel were well-prepared for a large number of patients.

“We beefed up the ambulances this year,” he said. “We have more this year because of the heat and the heat index.”

Ten ambulances were on the grounds Saturday, as opposed to the eight that are typically at the air show.

Also, there were four physicians, seven patrol teams investigating health problems and Miami Valley Hospital CareFlight crews ready to help spectators.

“We have a full EMS contingency out here,” said Kerfoot. “We have the largest, most well-organized medical on-site command and control center of any air show.”

In addition, medical volunteers from Montgomery County and surrounding areas were on the grounds.

“There (were) about 100 rescuers on the ground,” Mangas said. “Because of the heat this year, we added volunteers at all levels to supplement.”

Not all spectators were as affected by the heat, though.

“Heat doesn’t bother me,” said Marysville resident John Cooper, who attended the air show Saturday for the first time.

He said he stayed cool during the show by drinking water and walking in the breeze.

Others who attended expressed similar thoughts.

“We just decided we were going to tough it out,” said Tara Hudak, who drove from West Virginia to see the air show for the fifth time.

Temperatures reached 102 degrees Saturday for the first time since 1936, Storm Center 7 Chief Meteorologist Jamie Simpson said.

Show general manager Brenda Kerfoot says spectators need to take precautions against the heat. She says the impact on attendance won't be known until Monday.

Despite the heat, a relatively large crowd attended the air show Saturday, according to officials. But preliminary attendance estimates were not available early Saturday evening.

“Our crowd today was more than expected, given the higher temperatures,” said Terry Grevious, executive director of the air show. “It’s down from our average year certainly, but it was a pretty good-sized crowd.”