WBCA Stars & Stripes Air Show Spectacular

January 30, 2017

The WBCA Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular Sponsored by Miller Lite will take place during the 120th Washington’s Birthday Celebration on Sunday, February 12, 2017 at the Laredo International Airport (Maher Entrance). Tickets for the event are $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. Preferred seating and viewing locations will be available for purchase inside the air show grounds: Flight Line Chalet $25; Sky Box $10; Bleachers $5. Additional sponsors include Falcon International Bank. In-Kind Sponsor: Rudy’s BAR-B-Q.

The Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association (WBCA) has formally announced Brigadier General Sean A. Ryan as the air show marshal for the 2017 WBCA Stars and Stripes Air Show Spectacular Sponsored by Miller Lite.

One of the biggest and most celebrated acts in North America, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team will be making its second trip to Laredo. First formed in 1985, the AeroShell Aerobatic Team is the longest running civilian aerobatic team in North America. Flying their iconic white, red and black North American AT-6 Texans, the team is renowned for their professional airmanship, billowing smoke systems and can-do attitudes. During three decades of performing, the team’s four-ship formation has included several different skilled pilots: Steve Gustafson, Alan Henley, Mark Henley, Ben Cunningham, Gene McNeely, Bryan Regan, Jimmy Fordham, and Morris Ray. The team’s talent and popularity as air show entertainers has been recognized with the air show community’s two most prestigious performer awards: the Art Scholl Showmanship Award and the Bill Barber Award for Showmanship.

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The AeroShell Aerobatic Team performs tight, awe-inspiring formation aerial maneuvers in front of millions of airshow fans all over North America.

Adding to the excitement is Adam “Shakenbake” Baker and his pride and joy the Extra 330 airplane. Adam loves to share his story with the younger generations as he is one of the very few in the industry that did not come from an air show or aviation family. He has dedicated his entire professional career to progression of flying. Holding almost every rating possible from Jets to helicopters to the most nimble of aerobatic aircraft he loves to fly it all. Beginning his career with only a few dollars in his pocket, he likes to share his experience and excite and inspire the next generation of pilots and individuals looking to progress and be successful in whatever endeavor it may be. Adam has a unique style of aerobatic flying, combining hard competition style precision with out of this world freestyle gyroscopic maneuvers that set him apart from all other airshow pilots.

Next, we have the Greg Shelton and Wing Walker Ashley Key in the patriotic 450 Super Stearman. Greg Shelton is the pilot and has been performing in air shows since 1990. His interest in aviation began at an early age watching fire bombers in northern California and his father’s adventures of flying fighter aircraft in the U.S. Navy. Greg has owned and performed in air shows in various aircrafts but it was until 2003 when he decided to add a wing walking act to his growing list of air show performances. Ashley Key was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma and her passion for aviation started at an early age while building and flying model airplanes with her father. Aside from performing in Air shows with Greg, Key is also an Airfield Operations Supervisor, Police Sergeant at the Tulsa International Airport and is currently working on completing her bachelor’s degree in aviation management at Oklahoma State University. Ashley completed her first solo in a Cessna 172 and is currently learning to fly in a fully aerobatic 180HP clipped-wing Taylorcraft. Greg and Ashley have wowed audiences all over the United States and abroad with this aerobatic wing walking routing.

We are also proud to have Greg “Ace Maker” Colyer with his T-33, which was named Ace Maker after acquiring it in 2008. After his T-33 acquisition, he founded a nonprofit, T-33 Heritage Foundation to help in the preservation of the type. Colyer holds a Commercial Pilot certificate with instrument, single and multi engine ratings as well as being a Certified Flight Instructor. Greg stays in shape for flying high performance aircraft by cycling with the Cliff Bar team and an occasional Ironman Triathlon.

Other highlights of the show include: Freestyle Motocross, Spanky Gallaway, Jeremy Holt, Lewis Air Legends, CAF Centex, USAF, static displays provided by the Texas Military Forces, FedEx and much, much more!

For additional information contact the WBCA office at (956) 722-0589 or visit www.wbcalaredo.org or send an e-mail to wbca@wbcalaredo.org