THERMAL – High flying aviators and jet teams demonstrating exhilarating maneuvers and spectacular formations will soar the desert skies on Saturday, as the Jacqueline Cochran Air Show returns to Thermal.

The signature event, presented by the Riverside County Economic Development Agency Aviation Division and the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport Authority, takes place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, 56-850 Higgins Drive.

Admission and parking are free.

“The Jacqueline Cochran Air Show is a key way Riverside County and the cities promote and tell the story of this airport, an economic engine in our backyard with an integral role in our community and economic future,”  Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. said in a prepared statement. “Featuring some of the top air show performers in the country, aircraft displays and food trucks, there will be plenty of sights and entertainment in the air and on the ground to enjoy. I welcome everyone to come out and celebrate Cinco de Mayo at the 2018 Jacqueline Cochran Air Show!”

Supervisor Perez and Rob Field, Assistant County Executive Officer/EDA, will give welcoming remarks at 9 a.m. to kick off the day’s exciting performances. The opening ceremony will feature the performance of the National Anthem from the air by Will Allen in his Pitts plane.

The show will feature the dynamic performances of the six-ship Patriots Jets Team, John Collver’s War Dog and Bill Brack and his Smoke-n-Thunder Jet Car which will amaze spectators as it races by from zero to 400 mph.

Other performances include routines by the Red Eagles Formation Display Team and aerobatic acts by Jacquie Warda, Jon Melby and Vicky Benzing.

The family fun-filled event will include food trucks, merchandise and specialty vendors, and a variety of vintage and civilian aircraft on display.

The performers and line-up schedule are subject to change without notice. For more information and a schedule for Saturday’s show, click HERE or call (877) EDA-2-AIR.

Supervisor V. Manuel Perez represents the eastern two-thirds of Riverside County on the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Stretching from Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs, south to the Salton Sea and east to Blythe and the Colorado River, the 4th District is the largest geographical district in the county.

Supervisor Perez’s office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday