SEPTEMBER 11, 2024:
The bills have been paid. The numbers have been crunched. The end result is a donation of over $370,000 ($370,321.58) to the Capital Area United Way of Pierre and Fort Pierre.
Five years in the making, the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow was the idea of Mustang Aviation owners Jim and Cathy Peitz (p-eye-tz) of Pierre. The two-day show was held in Pierre this year (May 25-26, 2024) over the Memorial Day weekend.
Jim is a pilot and has performed in airshows all over the country. When planning an airshow that would be in his hometown, he said he made to promises.
Organizing committee co-chair and Pierre City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga (high-zin-ga) says the airshow featured civilian and military aircraft.
Capital Area United Way Board President Laura Ringling says the $370,000+ donation will impact their partner agencies for years into the future.
The Capital Area United Way financially supports more than a dozen partner agencies and community impact programs.
The organization will kick off its 35th anniversary and the start of its 2024 fundraising campaign with a tailgate party before Friday’s (Sept. 13, 2024) Pierre Governors football game at Hollister Field. Starting at 6pm, they will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, chips, cookies and water for a free will donation.
You can watch the entire announcement by going to this video on the DRG Media Group Facebook page.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
MAY 29, 2024:
He was a driving force behind making the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow happen in Pierre over the Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26, 2024).
As the show wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, Mustang Aviation owner and pilot Jim Peitz of Pierre told DRG News he’s had wonderful feedback from spectators.
The airshow featured civilian and military aircraft from all over the United States and at least one from Canada. As the planes began arriving at the airport last week, security at the Pierre airport was visibly ramped up. Peitz says there’s a reason for that.
Many of the acts perform at multiple airshows in large venues each year, but Peitz says they were impressed by what they saw in Pierre.
Proceeds from the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow will be donated to the Capital Area United Way, something that was important to Peitz.
Peitz said it was fun to host the event at his home airport.
See photos below or on the DRG Media Group Facebook page.
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MAY 28, 2024:
The weather cooperated, for the most part, and thousands of people took advantage of that by attending the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow over the weekend (May 25-26, 2024) in Pierre.
Retired Chicago O’Hare International Airport Air Traffic Controller Tim Fitzgerald was the show’s air boss. He said there’s a lot of communication and coordination in keeping all the pilots and planes safe.
Fitzgerald said it was about an average size airshow, but it had a little different “feel” to it.
Fitzgerald said he often spends as much time looking at the people as he does looking at the planes.
Proceeds from the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow will be donated to the Capital Area United Way, which supports various local charities and initiatives.
Let Freedom Fly International Airshow in Pierre, SD.
May 26, 2024.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Let Freedom Fly International Airshow in Pierre, SD.
May 26, 2024.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Let Freedom Fly International Airshow in Pierre, SD.
May 26, 2024.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Let Freedom Fly International Airshow in Pierre, SD.
May 26, 2024.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Let Freedom Fly International Airshow in Pierre, SD.
May 26, 2024.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
Let Freedom Fly International Airshow in Pierre, SD.
May 26, 2024.
Photo credit Jody Heemstra, DRG Media Group.
See even more photos on the DRG Media Group Facebook page.
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MAY 24, 2024:
This weekend’s (May 25-26, 2024) Let Freedom Fly International Airshow at the Pierre Regional Airport includes a variety of aircraft from personal planes to military fighter jets.
But, Hughes County Sheriff Patrick Callahan says one type of pilot you won’t see during the two-day event is drone pilots.
Because a variety of military aircraft are here for the airshow, Callahan says security at the Pierre Regional Airport has been ramped up.
Callahan says federal Air Marshals are on site and will have a little chat with anyone using a drone in the area of the airport– even before the airshow starts.
Current technology to detect drones can find them even if they’re flying low to the ground. Callahan says not even commercial or legally licensed drone pilots are allow to fly within a multiple mile radius of the Pierre Regional Airport.
Incidentally, tickets are still available for the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show. They cost $35 and will NOT be sold at the gate. They MUST be purchased online at lffairshow.org. If you don’t have computer or internet access, go to the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce (800 W. Dakota Ave.). They will be able to assist you.
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MAY 21, 2024:
The Let Freedom Fly International Airshow will be held this weekend (May 25-26, 2024) in Pierre and organizers want to be sure spectators know what to expect before they get there.
Airshow Director Clint Peitz says tickets will NOT be sold at the gate.
Peitz says there are a few options for getting out to the show.
Peitz also reminds folks that shade and seating will both be very limited.
For those who think they will be able to watch the show off-site, Peitz says you’re going to miss most of it.
Parking is free with a ticket purchase and children 12 and under are admitted free. There is a special rate for active-duty military personnel and veterans. Military ID and valid ticket will be required to enter.
Again, tickets can be purchased ONLINE ONLY at lffairshow.org. If you don’t have computer or internet access, go to the Pierre Area Chamber of Commerce (800 W. Dakota Ave.). They will be able to assist you.
Clint Peitz’s Things to Know before you go to the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow:
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It must be seen up close at the airport. Trying to watch this anywhere else is a big mistake. We have a World class announcer to take you step by step through these exciting performances, some set to music and explain the aircraft importance and history.
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Tickets will NOT be sold at the gate. They must be purchased online at lffairshow.org.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The show line will have a half mile of aircraft exhibits, food vendors and interactive displays.
- There are no bleachers or grandstands so bring a bag chair as there is plenty of space to enjoy the show. Hearing protection is encouraged for those with sensitive ears and small children.
- Bring sunscreen. Shade is very limited, and a small umbrella is allowed, and good hat helps. Remember you will be looking in the sky.
- Parking for general admission is west of the terminal and 1200 feet from the entrance, a 5–7-minute walk. General admission will be directed by parking staff.
- If you have mobility issues, little kids, strollers, etc; River Cities Transit will be picking up at the Kennedy school parking lot and overflow will be in the Northridge Plaza, should it be needed. Tickets will be checked for pre-boarding buses.
- One bottle of sealed water will be allowed per person. No guns, weapons, coolers, outside food/beverages are allowed. Bags will be checked at the gate.
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Spend some time on the website; nearly all questions can be answered in the FAQ section.
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All proceeds from the show will be donated to the Capital Area United Way.
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MAY 3, 2024:
The entertainment lineup for the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow being held Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26, 2024) in Pierre continues to grow.
Planning Committee Co-Chair and City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says they’ve added more military aircraft.
But, Huizenga says that’s not the only military aircraft recently added to the lineup.
Huizenga says if you think you’re going to watch the air show from your yard, you’re going to miss a lot of the acts. He says there’s a lot of information available on the lffairshow.org website.
Tickets for the air show can only be bought online. Admission tickets will NOT be sold at the actual event. Parking is free with a ticket purchase and children 12 and under are admitted free. There is a special rate for active-duty military personnel and veterans. Military ID and valid ticket will be required to enter.
Proceeds from the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow will be donated to the Capital Area United Way, which supports various local charities and initiatives.
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MARCH 20, 2024:
Tickets go on sale tonight (March 20, 2024, at 11:59pm CT) for the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow being held Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26, 2024) in Pierre.
Planning Committee Co-Chair and City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says ticket price will go up as the show dates get closer.
The air show was the idea of pilot, renowned airshow performer and Mustang Aviation owner Jim Peitz of Pierre. He says ticket sales are being done entirely online.
If you think you’re going to watch the air show from your yard, Peitz says you’re going to miss a lot of it.
For those wanting more information, Pietz recommends the lffairshow.org website.
Proceeds from the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow will be donated to the Capital Area United Way, which supports various local charities and initiatives.
Early bird ticket prices start at $25 for general admission, with special rates of $15 available for active-duty military personnel and veterans (Military ID and valid ticket will be required to enter). Parking is free with a ticket purchase and children 12 and under are free.
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MARCH 11, 2024:
More additions have been made to the entertainment lineup for the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow being held in Pierre Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26, 2024).
Committee co-chair Jamie Huizenga says planes, pilots and helicopters are coming from all over the country.
Huizenga encourages people to check out the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show website, Facebook page and Instagram account to learn more about the performers, buy tickets and more.
Proceeds from the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow will be donated to the Capital Area United Way, which supports various local charities and initiatives.
Courtesy image.
Courtesy image.
Courtesy image.
Courtesy image.
FEBRUARY 24, 2024:
WWII airplanes from the Dakota Territory Air Museum in Minot, ND, will be part of the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow in Pierre Memorial Day weekend 2024.
Featured here is the award-winning P47 Razorback named “Bonnie”. Lovingly restored by AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, MN and awarded the coveted Golden Wrench Award at Oshkosh 2023, this is the ONLY Republic-built, Razorback P-47D that is currently flying in the world today, and you can see it at the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow.
Courtesy photo.
Thunderbird is one of the recognizable P-51 mustangs from the post war era. The cobalt blue P-51C NX5528N, most notably won the 1949 Bendix race piloted by Joe DeBona where it set the piston driven speed record at 470 mph. Thunderbird was finished with 48 coats of primers and the iconic gloss cobalt blue paint adorned with the Red Pegasus logo of Mobile Oil. Polished to a high shine, the paint job reportedly added 8 mph to the speed of the aircraft.
Thunderbird was owned by WWII Brigadier General, bomber pilot and academy award winner Jimmy Stewart. Jackie Cochran, the Speed Queen, also owned Thunderbird. Warren Pietsch has engaged AirCorps Aviation to restore his P-51C to honor this historic aircraft.
The Dakota Territory Air Museum tasked AirCorps to restore this iconic aircraft as well, and she is als an OSH Golden Wrench Award winner!
The reborn P-51C Mustang called Thunderbird was once owned by actor Jimmy Stewart, who had a racing crew campaign it in the postwar years. Bernie Vasquez flew the racer masterfully for the AirVenture crowd.
Courtesy photo.
FEBRUARY 2, 2024:
More additions have been made to the entertainment lineup for the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show at Pierre Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26, 2024).
The air show was the idea of Pierre pilot, renowned airshow performer and Mustang Aviation owner Jim Peitz. He will perform in the show in his iconic P51D Mustang “Dakota Kid II” as well as his fan favorite aerobatic plane, an F33C Bonanza.
Other high caliber performers include:
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air race pilot and entertainer Vicky Benzing in a Boeing PT-17 Stearman,
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Matt Younkin showcasing the beauty and power of his twin-engine Beech 18,
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Bill Stein thrashing the sky in his Edge 540 aerobatic monoplane and
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the US Marine Corps with their MV-22 Osprey demo.
Additional military and civilian performers are yet to be announced.
In addition to the aerial performances, the airshow will feature one of the largest displays of vintage military aircraft ever seen in the region, both on the ground and in the air, providing a unique opportunity for attendees to witness the rich history of aviation.
Peitz says bringing together such a diverse and talented lineup of performers is a testament to the growing aviation culture in Pierre. He says this event will undoubtedly create lasting memories for everyone in attendance.
The Let Freedom Fly International Airshow is made possible through the generous support of the City of Pierre and numerous local businesses. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Pierre United Way, supporting various local charities and initiatives.
Ticket information for the Let Freedom Fly International Airshow will be posted soon on the official event website: https://lffairshow.org. Fans are also invited to follow the “LFFairshow” on Facebook and Instagram.
DECEMBER 13, 2023:
Conversations are happening behind the scenes as organizers progress with creating the lineup for the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show to be held at the Pierre Regional Airport over Memorial Day weekend next year (May 25-26, 2024).
The air show idea started with Mustang Aviation owner and pilot Jim Peitz.
Pierre City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says Peitz is connecting with potential acts from all over the country.
Huizenga thinks the acts will tie in nicely with the Memorial Day holiday.
He says it should be a big event for the entire region.
Money made from the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show in Pierre next year will benefit local charities.
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NOVEMBER 27, 2023:
The lineup is starting to take shape for the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show to be held at the Pierre Regional Airport over Memorial Day weekend next year (May 25-26, 2024).
Pierre City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga is one of the members of the organizing committee.
The airshow idea started with Mustang Aviation owner and pilot Jim Peitz. Huizenga says Peitz is having conversations with other individuals and groups who may also perform at the air show.
No matter who it is performing, Huizenga says all of the entertainment will be excellent.
Money made from the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show in Pierre will benefit local charities.
More information about the air show will be released as details are worked out.
AUGUST 9, 2023:
The planning started in 2019 and after a four year delay, the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show will be held at the Pierre Regional Airport over Memorial Day weekend next year (May 25-26, 2024).
Pierre aviation business owner and pilot Jim Peitz says the availability of the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds determined the dates for the show.
He says conversations are being had with other individuals and groups who may also perform at the air show.
Peitz says it’s critical that the current runway project be finished before the air show.
Peitz says money made from the air show will benefit local charities.
More information about the Let Freedom Fly International Air Show will be released as details are worked out.
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