The Duluth Airshow is back for the weekend of the 18th and 19th of May. There were concerns about the weather impacting the high-flying spectacle, but the sun shone through.

Jodi Grayson, the Media Director with the Duluth Airshow, says the event brings in plenty of revenue to the Twin Ports economy. 

“We typically bring in about $20 million into the economy. The Air Show brings in about 50,000 people on an average,” Grayson said. “About 75% of that population is staying somewhere in the community, dining somewhere, getting gas, so huge revenue for the area.”

Grayson says the Duluth Airshow has seen record attendances for the past several years. She says it’s because of the great weather and more people having an interest in aviation.

“There was a lot of concern from people that it was going to be a smaller amount because it’s May. But this weather has been perfect and people have come out,” Grayson said. “It is the only Air Show in the state of Minnesota. So we have people that come from not only the state of Minnesota, but from Canada, from other states.”

Of course the Duluth Airshow wouldn’t be the spectacular spectacle it is without the help of volunteers. Grayson says there’s at least 500 people who help make the soaring display into a one of a kind experience.

“Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do it. So we would love for people to get involved, Whether it’s volunteering, whether it’s being part of the staff, or whether it’s being a performer,” Grayson said. “It’s such a thrill to bring aviation to the community. When you’re here and when you’re part of such a fabulous team and you can see it and feel it and smell it even, you know, it just kind of keeps you motivated and keeps you coming back for more.”

For more information on how you can get involved with the Duluth Airshow next year you can read more here. Also for other stories with the Duluth Airshow you can read more here.