FRONT-ROW VIEW: What visitors are saying about Vectren Dayton Air Show

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

The air show kicked off with opening ceremonies at noon. While announcers said some performances could be impacted by the low-hanging clouds, the air show has a packed schedule. Redline, the B-17, Vicky Benzing, Sean D. Tucker and the Golden Knights are all expected to perform before 2 p.m.

The F-22, Jet Waco, TORA! TORA! TORA!, and the Blue Angels are expected to perform later in the afternoon

Marvin Napier, of Huber Heights, stood underneath the wing of the Orbis Flying Hospital aircraft to shield his two young children from the rain.

The Porter family of Bloomington, Ind. arrived early for today’s start to the 2018 Vectren Dayton Air Show.

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"The rain is better than 95 degree heat where you're sweating. With the clouds, the planes will fly lower so it's a win-win," he said.

This is the first time he's taken his kids to the air show. They're excited for the Blue Angels and Sean D. Tucker.

PHOTOS: 2018 Dayton Air Show kicks off

Chris and Sandy Porter, of Bloomington, Ind., arrived bright and early to secure front-row seat at the air show. Sitting in a blue and white U.S.A. law chair, Sandy Porter said she and her husband made the drive up last night to meet with her family members from Columbus.

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“It’s more just about being together with family. That’s what it’s all about,” she said.

Rain or shine, the family comes to the Dayton Air Show. She said they’re especially excited to see the Blue Angels this year.

John Klatt's Scramin' Sasquatch is a 1929 Waco taperwing biplane equipped with a jet engine at Vectren Dayton Air Show.  Klatt appears to be flying over Blue Angel #3 as he approaches show center on Friday, June 22, 2018.  TY GREENLEES / STAFF

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An air show spokeswoman said officials anticipate less heat-related health issues from spectators this year because of chillier temperatures.

Terry Weaver drove from Pennsylvania to watch the Dayton Air Show, but he hasn't been here in years. In 2013, he and his son came to the air show when a pilot and wing walker died in a fiery crash.

"We saw everything. It's burned into my memory," he said. "My 9-year-old son, he hasn't wanted to come back."

Weaver said he was excited to finally come back for the show this weekend.

 

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