Information: If homeowners were asked to leave their homes, they WERE compensated and given provided hotel accommodations for the length of time needed to be vacated. All were very welcoming of this. The aerobatic box is not all encompassing and those on S. River Rd. were not affected.

As for the church across the street, AirFEST contacted them and explained they'd be welcome to do exactly what they did. The minature golf course actually offered up their land for parking, if AirFEST needed it. The idea though of having people crossing the highway to get to AirFEST was a risk and decided against. But a Big Thank You to Mr. Markley and also Mr. Hughes for offering their land for parking, if needed.

As for the road closures on Knilians & Happy Hollow, that is strictly for public safety and aircraft safety, regulated by FAA.

Please, if you have questions or concerns or just don't know for sure, contact AirFEST to ask before spouting off on topics you may not know about.

Thanks to all of you who do understand that our military is fighting for our rights to be free and to host the Blue Angels is an honor. Remember these folks who consist of the Blue Angels (68 in total were at AirFEST), are ACTIVE DUTY military and can be called up and deployed at a moments' notice.

Sandman,
A point to correct. Wisconsin Aviation Academy, the recipient (along with 13 other area non-profit groups) of proceeds from AirFEST , provides unmatched opportunities to "underrepresented" youth to their program along with any others who apply. Underrepresented are females, minority's, low-income as well as high-income, white males, and any others. The program tries to allow those who could not ordinarily afford to send their child to an aviation program a chance to begin their aviation-life with us. Please contact Wisconsin Aviation Academy at 608-757-8082 for more information before blasting a program which you are NOT informed about.

If you would like stats, again, contact us. We've had kids graduate high school with their private pilot license earned through our Academy and went on to the Air Force Academy, University of North Dakota Aviation program, Mankato State University in Minnesota for Aviation, University of Dubuque for Aviation. We have the stats, please contact us.

As for taxpayers dollars spent on AirFEST, AirFEST pays all the performers for their performance. Yes, we pay the Blue Angels and provide their lodging, along with all the other military and civilian performers.

Please get involved before speaking words which are not true. Thank you

Maybe we need a tax system that allows the taxpayer to choose where their taxes are being spent. It couldn't possibly be any more complex than the current tax system. Implement a flat tax and a form with multiple check-off boxes. This way everyone would be happy!

I agree. The cost is worth it.

officer - the training hours are going to be flown regardless of whether or not they are going to try out for the Blue Angels. The training hours are normal training as pilots in the Navy and are not Blue Angel specific. And to answer your question, yes, the cost is worth it.

From the Blue Angels website:

What is the mission of the Blue Angels?
The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting, and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America and other countries as international ambassadors of good will.

Is it worth the cost?

Geez, it's just something to think about. God forbid someone has a little different perspective. I didn't write the article I just thought it was worth reading.

RUSerious - We were listening to people complain and blaming the gas guzzling vehicles all on GM's falling out, when now the reality has set in and the problems went way beyond gas when they are closing plants everywhere and terminating jobs everywhere. Gas was not the problem.

Did the police respond to any noise complaints?

Funny, I never even thought of that-about all the fuel used in these displays for our entertainment. But why didn't I? I live in an area where people have been lambasting a company (and local employees) for building large, gas-guzzling vehicles (just a short distance from this air show, ironically), helping to cause the company's demise. Officefriendly1's point should at least be considered. I am talking about the entertainment part only. Think of all the Suburban's (furnaces, ...) one show would fuel for life.

officerfriendly1 your link to a very feeble article insinuates that the flying hours attained to meet the qualifications were a waste. What the article, and you, failed to provide was these levels were a prerequisite to apply for the position. The hours logged by these pilots were from normal training (daily, weekly, monthly), competency, combat, and other flight support roles. In other words these were hours spent doing their respective jobs for each branch of the service they were hired for.

They don't make you leave your home. We sat at the end of a road that was just across the runway. Everyone was in their homes and having parties outside. We were so close to the airshow, we could see all the ground show and could see one of the pilot's face as he flew past us. If they think they are doing a good job blocking things off, they should check again. We had a huge field to go in if we wanted to get super close.

"The man who complains about the way the ball bounces is likely the one who dropped it."
-Lou Holtz

officerfriendly1 - The only thing I got out of that article is what I will tell my grandchildren. That there is people in this World that like to complain about everything and ruin things for everyone. They are brainwashed in believing everything they read and have to try and find a dark side to everything. They couldn't have a good time if someone walked up and forced them too. I will then take my kids and grandkids to the air show and we will continue to have a great time while others stay at home and complain while they try and make up for something missing in their lives. Very sad and I feel bad for those people.

"Some Sobering Thoughts About the Blue Angels Air Show" http://www.zmag.org/znet/viewArticle/182...

Sandman. There are so many things wrong in your words (facts). You as a taxpayer, you wish a replacement engine was only a million dollars. Bird strike (injestion; if that is what happened) is hardly a rare occurrence amongst all military flights. A bird strike happens more times in a week than many think. In addition to recruitment these events are also for awareness. Unless you (taxpayer) live near a military installation you may not be aware what your dollars provide in the form of equipment/training/professionals in the defense of your country.

Maybe Sandman would rather have the draft reinstated to lessen the need for recruiting?

Sandman, you're wrong on at least one point. The recruitment campaign isn't thinly disguised. It's in full force. That's the whole point of the Blue Angels, Golden Knights, etc. These servicemen and women already learned their skills on our dime, so I fail to see the problem with them displaying their skills to recruit others. Where do you think we get these service members that have fought for your right to make dumb comments on message boards?

LOL. Many of you people are just amazing! Do you really have nothing better to do than nit pick EVERYTHING? I pity your life, it is flying by and you aren't even enjoying the ride!

...along with the other 15 million that watch the Blue Angels every year.

Zoom, I was responding to a post specifically made to me. Sorry, I don't sit here all weekend "waiting for people" to post to me.
I was responding to one person in particular.
I know the topic is over, but I have a right to respond.
I am not blowing anything out of proportion. Don't like my post? Blow by it.

Ok, you self-righteous blow-hards... I and 60,000 other people do not agree with you. It was nice to be able to spend the entire day enjoying an awesome show for a little money. Thanks AirFest, and especially thanks Blue Angels.

Sandman - You absolutely have to be kidding me. You are the exact type of person I'm talking about. Did it ever occur to you that regardless of how bad times are, people still know how to enjoy themselves and aren't going to let the bad times get the best of them. Quit your frickin whining and if you don't like it and you're going to complain about a pretzel, don't go.

While the pilots are to be congratulated for their commitment and skills, this event is primarily a noisy, polluting, thinly-guised military recruitment campaign that annually costs taxpayers BILLIONS of dollars to provide around the country.

For an example, one F-18 engine loss due (sadly) to sucking in an errant hawk last Friday resulted in an unscheduled Fat Albert flight to and from Pensacola FL for a million dollar replacement engine, and another jet went down on Sunday. Add in the wear and tear on planes and the fuel that is needlessly expended to provide the fumes and booms that seem to satisfy this crowd and you'll have just a feel for the money being expended.

In addition, there was no free drinking water available on the grounds and the bottled water and food that was offered was more expensive ($3 for one pretzel!) than most county and Renaissance fairs.

While one may argue that the show does profit local business and that the proceeds go to a good cause -- providing "underprivileged" youth with opportunity to get training in the aviation field (I would like to see some stats on the success of that goal) -- I don't doubt that real local take is far less than the actual taxpayer money being spent, money that could be used directly to help people and communities and not just provide a few days of local smoke and noise.

I hope the sounds of those planes ripping around annoyed the crap out of all you cry babies that were complaining about this. The show was awesome and the Blue Angels are unbelievable. The World doesn't have time or space for people that don't know how to appreciated some of the amazing things in life that we get to enjoy.

I am glad you posted the info about the small number of homeowners and the fact that they had agreed to this prior to the air show even being scheduled. Makes sense and makes me think most of the people complaining on this site weren't even affected at all. Also makes the story seem a little sensationalist. Sounds like they got some good perks in return. I have been to a Blue Angels show and have had VIP seats. Front row seats on the flight line, free soda, beer, wine and food (served by waiters) Not a bad deal.

Mikki, your words were, "What have they done to "fight for us?"", not

And, you're blowing this out of proportion. The situation has already been explained. Move on.

posted by divots
May 30, 2009 at 12:14 p.m.
The number of properties/ homes that are involved is extremely small. They are located at the end of the runway at N. Oakhill AV. and Knillians Rd. The property owners agreed upon this prior to the first year Airfest was held. They do receive some perks for their inconvenience such as VIP tickets.

Are we still on this? Can we have a roll call of those who were displaced from their homes? I have no idea whether anyone really was or wasn't~~so I would love to know if anyone really was!?!?!

SarahB1, I work for my "country" every single day, thank you very much!
I was talking about RIGHT NOW, they aren't fighting. Perhaps if you READ my post, you'd understand I have a problem with people being displaced from their homes for a show.

HYDROSTREAMBOY, those videos you left a link for, is that the same pilot Kevin Davis that was killed in the 2007 Blue Angels South Carolina crash?

number1,i work all week long,and the weekends are when i catch up on all my work at home and relax,as spectacular as their show may be,and how much others enjoy it,i do not. i would not leave my home to accomodate them or anyone else its my home i pay taxes on it,and i would not leave and where would i go? while there air show is going on.as far as not be able not being allowed to park on 51,that has been like that for years when the air show is here.they would lose tons of money for parking,this city always has an agenda,and the residents in it are not it.its all about the money in this city.i would also like to know what they would do if you refuse to leave your home,i know,the answer to all their problems, go directly to jail, lol

I won’t cut and paste Kleej’s posts because some of them are long and if you are really interested, you can scroll back and read them.
I have an interest in one particular post by Kleej: see (Kleej May 30, 2009 at 1:01 p.m.)
If one reads it quickly and in the context of the current thread/blog/ or whatever, it could be interpreted in various ways. Here is my take on it. I think kleej is asking the same question that most of us are asking ourselves. Where did we go wrong in our society? I know we all have opinions about that but the poignant, to me, statement was, ” We're supposed to be a country/community of people who watch each others backs and individually take responsibility for our own actions so it doesn't come down to this.”
Okay, I did cut and paste, sorry, and I believe Kleej was referring to the Air Show but Kleej’s post actually addressed our society in general. JMO

Well. my kids just got back from airfest and they loved it!! They can't stop talking about the Blue Angels!

no attitude hannah- not at all. Sometimes you cant hear tones in print I guess..

kleej- what is it that you are complainign about?? The fact that you rave on about community etc..then say you think the airshow is great- on the other hand complain about coomunity etc..???? I mean come on- wouldnt you think if someone is on "house arrest" that wouldnt be properly addressed by the authorities?..Please pick a side. IMO-from what you have written- you are one of the people you are complaining about.

Hannah- you are not right below them- if you have actually been to an airshow you would know this..

hannah, actually I don't listen to the radio. I don't watch the garbage on TV and I don't drown myself in all the negative media around me. To each his own, but, I choose not to partake in it. I think if we look at this topic from a cut to the chase viewpoint, it would certainly explain why I feel the way I do in terms of all of this. I'm not against any of this. I think it's great that people are entertained and it's a positive thing for the public to see and the Blue Angel's have earned my respect. No question. What sticks in my craw is the fact that this is what our society has been minimized to! Meaning, there is no trust, no integrity and no community left anywhere anymore! How did we get to this point in time where we'd need to take all of these security measures for the public to enjoy an airshow? I understand the precautions and respect them, but, at the same time, it's irritating that it's had to come down to this. We're supposed to be a country/community of people who watch each others backs and individually take responisiblity for our own actions so it doesn't come down to this. If there's a chance that people are capable of performing an act of tyranny from their own home on an elite flight squad, that would mean you and I and our kids and friends are under the same threat on a daily basis! It's not supposed to be this way. WE'VE let this happen to our communities. I'm upset with myself more than anything for not doing more than I have to make a positive difference. I've committed my life to doing more, but, MORE just can't come fast enough because there's no easy, quick fix to this.

HYDRO- thanks for that link!!! OMG- I was laughing so hard I damn near wet myself!!

hannah- what dont you get about "safety precautions"..?..

Mikki - They are a demonstration team, but contrary to what you believe, the pilots and ground crews do go to war. The pilots and ground crew are rotated out either every 2 or 3 years. If they are not assigned to the demonstration team, their duties are the same as any other military person of their particular rank. Some on the demonstration team have already been to Iraq. The purpose of the demonstration team is to show what the planes and pilots can do while in combat.

The number of properties/ homes that are involved is extremely small. They are located at the end of the runway at N. Oakhill AV. and Knillians Rd. The property owners agreed upon this prior to the first year Airfest was held. They do receive some perks for their inconvenience such as VIP tickets.

darwin you couldn't get anyone to believe your crap now you are gonna try another story to
write your crap. How funny!

spicymarge, we did exactly that to Japanese Americans during WWII for no reason other than bigotry.

Benne, What you saw was the wall of fire probably. It is part of the air show. If you go to the airfest website and look up performers there is a cool video of the wall of fire. Or maybe you saw the semi that shoots flames and goes 357 mph.

Were any fireworks shot off near the airport last night? About 8:50 pm as I was driving home from a friends house, I saw what I would call a fire ball. It was about 60 degrees above the horizon and travelling SSW. A it approached the tree line it seemed to split into two or three pieces then it went out of sight. The duration of the event was about 10 seconds. Did anyone else see this or do I need to have my meds adjusted?

HYDROSTEAMBOY...thanks for the ride!! That was really cool.

In case you are not aware, to apply for a position on the Navy's Flight Demonstration Team (Ble Angels) a pilot has to accumulate a minimum of 1,000 flight hours in high performance aircraft and a recommendation from their Commanding Officer (their boss). There is a rigorous selection process and many, including the maintenance support team that maintain the jets, get turned away. For recent teams, it is impossible to get more than 1,000 hours in high performance jets in the Navy without gaining combat time. Don't believe all you see in the movies, these guys are working their tails off flying the shows and training in preparation for shows. This is their reward for all the hard work. Navy shore duty where some options are to get a lot of family time. Every member of the Blue Angels chose the option to be away from their home station and families for approximately 3/4 of the year. The safety precautions are for the spectators safety and it is clearly agreed upon before the Navy agrees to conduct a show in a town. There are not a better bunch of pilots and ground support in the world, I know because I used to fly with many of these guys. Enjoy the show, it will be great!

These comments are a marvelous example of what make this a great country. Complaints or kudos there is no fear the Blue Angels will drop poison gas on your house nor will the police storm in and drag your family away to a concentration camp or worse. On this traditional Memorial Day weekend thank you our United States military, past and present!

I can`t believe some of the comments here.. I can understand if someone is elderly and has a problem leaving their home, or if there is someone that has special attention needs or something. Then I would hope the county is covering that. But all you babies crying about having to leave your home for a mere 2-3 hours is a joke! The air show brings in alot of money for this community, it is also an honor to have the Blue Angels flying for it-maybe if some of you went to actually see them you would appreciate them.The comment made about people having to leave their homes because they dont want anyone to see the show for free is bunk! It is a safety measure. There have been plenty of disasters at air shows in the past. This insures that only the pilots are in danger. I grew up in Happy Hollow- and have family that still resides there, they don`t have a problem with this at all. If i still lived there I wouldnt either. Stop whining people, go see the show!

SarahB, You make some very valid points.

SarahB1: Nice post and my thanks to your little brother for his service to our country.

boysmom, trust me, I don't need a history lesson from people. I'm all about honoring and respecting heroes, especially when it comes to defending our freedoms. Such as freedom to stay in my home if I so choose. There is a matter of principle here. What happens if a person should happen to be under house arrest and was ordered to NOT leave their home by order of the courts? We gonna bend the rules just a little bit so "the powers that be" don't miss out on the gate fees?

I wonder what would happen if a home owner refused to leave? I think if I lived that close I would require compensation. Not really fair. Here's some more food for thought. Aren't those planes violating the noise law that we just read about this week being enforced on a church. The air show is FOR PROFIT, don't get yourself wrong. I live within a half mile from the airport and it is insanely loud each year... And I will be packing my backyard full of people like we do every year.

One question, how about the mini golf place right across the street from the airport. Do they have to close? That sure would hurt their business, would they be compensated for that by the air fest promoters?

They close Knilans and Oakhill roads and tell the home owners to leave because they don't want people there to see the show for free, or have company seeing it for free. Same with the Hispanic church across from the airport. That place it was about $10 a car load and you parked there and saw the show. Much cheaper than across the street on the airport property. The church made some money from that. It was always packed. I don't think its as much the air force wanted them to not be there as much as the show producers.

Mikki: Please do a little research before making such a stupid comment re: the Blue Angels not having "fought for us". Their web site lists the accomplishments of each aviator and all of them list the assignments held before each officer became an Angel. Each of them has-more-than adequately served our nation. I don't want to make this personal, but my little brother is a retired Navy aviator (navigator/bombardier) who graduated second in his class from the Naval Academy, first in his flight school class at Pensacola, FL; graduated from Bomber U (navigator/bombardier "Top Gun" equivalent) and finished his Navy career as a test pilot. He is the toughest nice guy that I know and he always speaks highly of the Angels. Now, Mikki, what have you done for your country today?

Last time they were here, I was at a friends house on the south side and they were flying formation over his place IN TOWN. Yet they never told him he had to "evacuate". If someone refuses to leave their house what are they gonna do? If its about safety, maybe they should move the flight line alot further back from where it normally is.

I see a lot of complaining going on here and comments from folks who must not get how airspace (and groundspace) works for events like this or even read the article entirely. Just be happy that something fun and totally entertaining is going on in Rock County other than your meat-eating festivals at the fairgrounds...not that I don't enjoy a good piece of pork or beef, but C'MON people...

biggirl - the story states that the airfest is paying for the extra security, not the county.

To add to twerp's valid point, why does Rock County have to foot the bill for the military. Military spending in the United States is the largest portion of the federal budget. They could pony up a few dollar for what are advertising events.

While the Blue Angels is a demonstration team the pilots have all served in combat squadrons previously. You don't just join the Navy and become a Blue Angel. So yes, many of them are war heroes. They have spent time deployed away from their families performing a dangerous mission. Even more so they represent the many heroes of the Navy who are out there right now doing their jobs in order to protect your right to complain.

the Blue Angels are flight demonstrators not war heroes. My point was taken out of context as well. If them coming is going to upset the entire neighborhood, just scrap the thing and have them stay home. No skin off anyone's rear end. It's nothing against them or anyone. I've seen them a few times myself previously and they're very entertaining. Overpriced, but, entertaining.

just_hype: It does affect those of us who live on this road and have to deal with inconsiderate people who think our road is their personal air fest playground.I welcome them to come to the "airshow" and spend money in our community,but please be considerate of those of us who live here. But as far as I can see the ones who party on the roadside don't spend a dime here, they come and watch for free, eat out of coolers they brought with them and then go back home (most were Illinois plates last year).
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As for the inconvenience of may/may not evacuate who knows...this is all new news to us reading it here. We are just speculating as to what may happen and what would be done. Sheesh can't we vent a little. I am all for the community getting tourist dollars, and I am glad that air fest is helping to accomplish that, but it dosn't mean I have to like watching the planes or having to have to deal with inconsiderate people who think they own the road and tell me I can't even drive down it to my house.

twerp13- Yes you are a twerp. Your personal life is not being affected as you are not being told to evacuate. Give it up and welcome guests who come into our area to spend a few extra dollars.

I am not trying to be a naysayer, but it would be nice to be informed, and not to have my personal life disrupted due to a event that I am not even interested in.Especially if I am supposed to be evacuated from my home. Granted I live near a airport, I accept the noise, and (some) traffic, and a little inconvenience with certain roads being closed,but it is just a matter of public safety as well when I suggest having the parked cars on the side of the road removed. I suggest you try to drive down W Avalon Rd tomorrow and find out for yourself.The area between S Oak hill and S River Rd (while on W Avalon) is a mess of parked cars and people, especially at the open field areas. It is a tragedy waiting to happen.

Something good comes in town and a bunch of naysayers again. Sad, sad sad...

Just was asking around and so far none of our W. Avalon Rd. neighbors have been informed of having to leave during the Blue Angles performance. Like I said we are less than a mile from the airport, so I believe we would be well within the 2 mile "box" they are talking about. Wish someone out there would let us know what is going on.
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As I was thinking about it, it would be kinda nice if the area was evacuated or what-not, at least then the idiots who park and party on both sides of the road (making it near impossible to drive down in less than a single lane) would have to vacate the area as well. I almost hit 2 kids and 3 adults last year who thought they could just dart out back and forth across the road like it was a closed off block party. They had no concern for their own safety and thought they owned the road for their own personal viewing of the air show. One even yelled at me saying that I shouldn't drive down my own street to my home...sheesh I even reported it to a county officer and they said thery were too busy to deal with it.

I am also concerned with the whole idea that someone could make me leave my home with no notice. I live very close to the airport and never once have we heard anything about not being able to be home. It is not that I don't support servicememebers, my husband is a veteran, but a little respect and information to the homeowners is justified!

Bullys..the Blue Angles are a promotional show for the Navy.
What have they done to "fight for us?"
Give me a break.
When the government can send us from our homes to sell tickets to a show??? I have a big problem with that.

My guess would be if you have been notified by now, you won't have to leave your home.

well if they are so concerned about safely flying, why stop at just during the air show? They have been practicing the past few days and they fly right over the top of my house.
*
Besides just where am I suppose to go to while the show is on?

This is news to us !!! We live less than a mile from the airport and not heard anything about not being able to be home durring the air show. When the heck are they going to tell people?

It is a spectacular show but also very dangerous. These rules are for security as well as safety of the general public. Rock County Airport is very small so the surrounding community will be impacted more so than if the performance were on a large military base with lots of space and multiple runways etc.

is this all janesville does when something good is happening in their town is cimplain, thats about alli see on here you complain about everything.

If residents near the airport must leave their homes I hope the airshow never comes back to town.

Oh I completely see the want to have a clear zone I just want to know if it is voluntary or a forced evacuation. If its forced I just need to know under what authority it is done. Im not some anti-gov't nut-case...just curious.

The airport has lots of parking, and parking will be available by shuttle at LSI and Blackhawk Tech for $2.

I do not agree with making us leave our homes while the airshow is taking place. Also, I noticed HWY.51 has no parking signs for miles north and south of the airport.....where in God's name is everyone going to park to watch the airshow?

bullysarebest, you're assuming Kleej is an adult.

I'm guessing the "box" is also in place as a sort of "blackout" zone, to encourage people to actually go and pay for the show, instead of parking on the streets nearest the airport for free. After all, there are hundreds (thousands?) of people at the airport watching the show, so the box isn't really devoid of people.

Ilovehockey~~LOL We don't live close to the airport. But the planes have been flying overhead on their way to the airport. They do every year and even during airfest. They are loud here, I couldn't imagine being that close!! We love seeing them every year!!

(I am also finding that the FAA has a "good neighbor" policy that airports are supposed to follow, and there may be no legal authority here, just voluntary compliance. Anyone affected is welcome to explain their experience.)

outdoors, from what I can tell this is because people who live within a certain distance from an airport are subject to FAA regulations. The purpose of evacuation is presumably twofold: to eliminate potential threats against the aircraft, and to protect citizens in the event of a catastrophe. The Blue Angels require a sterile "show box" or "aerobatic box" to perform their dangerous maneuvers without fear of interference or danger to the public.

Kleej~~geez, a little bitter about something!?!?!? This is our military~~they fight for you and all you can say is stay home? How very sad. My kids are going to airfest and can't wait to see them!!! I know my children who are 12 and 11 respect them~~too bad adults can't do the same!

The making homeowners leave must be something new. My aunt lived at the end of the runway in Eau Claire, and we always watched the shows from her house. The only thing she ever had to do was take everything off her walls! LOL!

Here's a thought, stay home Blue Angels.

I little more info on making homeowners leave. It seems a bit unconstitutional without knowing more details.