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Published 5:45 am Friday, September 12, 2025<\/p>\n
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The iconic red flat nose and sleek light gray bodice of the FJ-4 \u201cFury\u201d aircraft peeked into the sunshine as a cart rolled it out onto the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum tarmac.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n To celebrate the Rose City Airfest\u2019s fifth year and entrance into the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, officials invited the community to a ribbon cutting ceremony and unveiling of the newly restored FJ-4 Fury at HAMM on Wednesday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis year is our first year doing it as a two-day air show because it has grown to such a capacity,\u201d CampV Executive Director Travis Gladhill said. \u201cWe are super excited to be out here today.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n TThe Rose City Airfest, a now two-day annual fundraising airshow set for Oct. 4 and 5, showcases aerial performances and viewing of planes and military aircraft to support CampV (Community Assisting Military Personnel and Veterans), an East Texas nonprofit. All airfest proceeds go back to providing critical resources and services to veterans during and after service, such as emergency financial assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe Rose City Airfest is truly a community effort,\u201d Rose City Airfest Chairman Bob Westbrook said. \u201cThis event not only showcases incredible aviation, but it also demonstrates the heart of Tyler and East Texas in rallying together to honor and support those who have sacrificed so much for us. Supporting this initiative is one small but powerful way we can give back to those who have given so much for our freedom.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The spotlight aircraft of the event, the FJ-4 Fury, is one of the only two FJ-4 to exist in the world. The other aircraft remains at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida. This U.S. Navy and Marine Corps carrier-based fighter-bomber was in Marine combat from 1954 to 1964, but did not fly in Korea. It took seven years of restoration before it finally saw the light of day at the event.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThis is really special for the Historic Aviation Memorial Museum,\u201d HAMM member Tommy McBride said.<\/span><\/p>\n Gladhill invited Vicki Patzold, CampV\u2019s operations coordinator, to join him during his speech, as Tyler Police Department Officer Bill Steinmiller presented her with a wooden flag to thank the veteran caregivers staff at CampV for their years of hard work.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Westbrook and Gladhill cut a bright red ribbon, surrounded by members of the Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce, staff and guests as the FJ-4 stood prominent behind them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Exciting performances are coming for this year\u2019s two-day airshow.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cMy favorite part is the performances,\u201d Westbrook said. \u201cIt\u2019s the first year we have helicopters, so I\u2019m really excited to see that.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The fest will include 19 performances by various aircraft including a UH-60 Black Hawk and AH-64 Apache helicopter for the first time. The event also includes experiences such as ticketed aircraft rides, a Navy flight simulator, and a meet and greet with crews and this year\u2019s Korean War Veteran Honorees, Herb Buie and Nancy Martin.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI got to meet a family last year and all three adults had served as pilots in the military and had flown several of the aircraft that had actually performed in our airshow,\u201d Gladhill said. \u201cAll of them were staring up in the sky with the biggest smiles on their faces, so being able to provide a fun, safe entertainment for the community while also benefiting our military veterans is a win-win.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Gladhill said if the community purchases tickets now they will save around 40% compared to the day-of cost at the gates. On the day of the event, adult tickets will be $50 per person, while tickets will be $5 for children ages 6 to 12 and free for those 5 and under. A military discount is available, bringing day-of tickets to $35 for veterans.<\/span><\/p>\n Gates open at 10 a.m. beginning with static displays before the show begins each day at 1 p.m. on Oct. 4 and 5.<\/p>\n For tickets and current pricing information, visit <\/span>https:\/\/www.rosecityairfest.com\/<\/span><\/a>. Other information, including a schedule, aircraft lineup and frequently asked questions, is also available at the website.<\/span><\/p>\n