Take to the Skies AirFest gets ready for third annual show in Durant, OK! Shutik Isht Ia!

DURANT, Okla. - Jan. 15, 2015 - PRLog -- Returning to Durant, Oklahoma, Take to the Skies Airfest, presented by Choctaw Casino Resort, brings edge of your seat excitement with an full blown exciting Air Show and family festival April 25th at Durant Regional Airport–Eaker Field.

"Shutik Isht Ia” is the Choctaw translation for “Take to the Skies”! Debby Standefer, President of the Take to the Skies AirFest, stated “we are very exited about this year’s show and also to promote the City of Durant and their beautiful airport as well as the unique opportunity to feature cultural information and education of the Choctaw Nation.”  This will be the first Air Show of the season in Oklahoma and North Texas.  Actually, this is not just an event; it is an experience that will affect all of your senses with something to offer every age.

Standefer says, “We are excited to debut a new unique performer this year, always proud to honor our military during our show and this year to honor the Choctaw Elders and the Choctaw Code Talkers.  The Choctaw were the original Code Talkers and we are honored to celebrate them.”  Opening Ceremonies Saturday afternoon at the start of the air show will be action packed including Choctaw dancers and singers, honor guard, flybys, skydivers and more!

Durant is home to the headquarters of the Choctaw Nation and the Choctaw Casino and Resort with its AAA 4 Star rating. Come join for the AirFest and stay for the weekend!  Durant, known as the City of Magnolias, is a charming city.  The airport boasts a beautiful terminal and was named after General Ira Eaker, an aviation pioneer and war hero.  Lake Texoma, the 12^th largest lake in the US is only 15 minutes away.

The event opens at 10:00am Saturday. Before and after the air show you will be entertained with a variety of aircraft including warbirds and jets, in static displays and demonstrations.  Flights for the public will be available throughout the day in helicopters, airplanes, warbirds and biplanes.  Don’t stay on the ground, break the bonds of earth and go fly! Wander through concessions of delicious foods, exhibits and booths.  The Kids’ Area has a variety of attractions for different ages. There are a lot of activities for all ages and Choctaw Nation cultural activities, reenactments, dancing and music. So much to see and do!

The Air Show begins at 2pm with a variety of aircraft performing dramatic flights and aerobatic performances, a thrilling sight for all!  Mike “Spanky” Gallaway, announcer for the famous Red Bull Air Races and other prestigious events will have you jumping in excitement as he announces the show.  We are thrilled to bring back Randy Ball’s MiG-17 jet…feel that afterburner!...and new dramatic performances this year to be announced soon. The Trojan Phlyers Demo Team with their astounding warbird formation aerobatics that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Piloted by highly decorated combat veteran pilotsperforming exciting precision close formation aerobatic routines demonstrating the cutting edge performance of the Trojan T28 warbird and the flying expertise acquired in formal military training, the Trojan Phlyers demonstrate high speed action with the roar of the big engines as they fly their historic aircraft rich in military history in a unique and thrilling performance and salute the veterans or our great nation and the men and women who continue to serve and protect us today.  Blue Skies Parachute team will open the show and kick off a great line up of performers set to fly for you.

Take to the Skies AirFest promises to provide something for everyone in an action packed day of fun for the entire family!  The mission of the AirFest is to encourage young adults to become involved in aviation, thereby contributing to better future adults.  Bring the entire family and introduce them to the vast wonderful world of aviation and show them how they can become involved. You will love it!

The AirFest looks forward to working with local services and organizations.  Non-profit organizations are invited to participate to raise awareness and funds.  We look for volunteers and groups to assist on show day and are taking applications for vendors, exhibitors and sponsors.  “Sponsorship is invaluable to an event.  It enables the event to grow in every way. The Take to the Skies AirFest relies on sponsorships so that we can keep this a very low cost event to the public and to continue to grow the show each year.  We work with our sponsors to develop active integrated programs not only to promote the sponsor and assist them in achieving their marketing goals, but to create a positive experience on site for the public.  The attendance this event garners not only locally, but from spectators throughout the state, Lake Texoma, North and East Texas and Dallas gives us the ability to market not only our sponsors but to showcase and promote our growing airport and the wonderful city of Durant while at the same time becoming an important revenue source for the city through lodging, retail and food sales in town through the weekend.  We are proud to have the support and work with the great Choctaw Nation and the Choctaw Casino Resort, Durant Regional Airport-Eaker Field, the City of Durant and SOSU,” Debby Standefer said.

Follow Take to the Skies AirFest on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and visit our website for detailed information and online discounted tickets for the festival are only $8 for 13 and up, $5 kids 6-12, Seniors 65+ and military with ID. Kids under 5 free.  Truly an experience and one you won’t soon forget, the Take to the Skies AirFest will take off Saturday April 25^th 10am to 6pm.  We’ll look forward to seeing you there!

For more information please visit our website, http://www.taketotheskiesairfest.com or on Facebook, heartoftexasairshow, or Twitter, @tttsairfest.