CLINTON, Iowa — The Clinton Municipal Airport will celebrate its 80th anniversary in September by hosting Fly Iowa 2025, a free community air show featuring aerobatic stunts, historic aircraft, and a night program with fireworks and a drone light show.
The event begins at 3 p.m. Sept. 13 and will run through nightfall at the airport, located at 2000 S. 60th St. No tickets are necessary for this free event.
Performances will include Vietnam-era themed theatrics with simulated bomb runs and pyrotechnics; aerobatic routines by pilots Eric Edgren, Mike Vaknin, Susan Dacy and The Trojan Phlyers; and demonstrations of aircraft such as the MiG-17, Bird Dog, Skyraider, T-28 and Huey helicopter. Pay-to-ride helicopter flights will also be offered.
On the ground, visitors can explore food vendors, activity stations, and other displays. VIP tent access will be available for premium viewing.
“We’ve got legendary planes, world-class performers, fireworks, pyrotechnics and a drone light show—everything you could want in an air show,” Airport Manager Marlana Nass said in a press release. “We’re inviting everyone to come out, bring the kids, and experience the magic of flight at this free air show.”
To help support the event, organizers are selling raffle tickets for a chance to win a discovery flight from Flight Deck Aviation, valued at $250.
Tickets cost $5 each, $20 for five, or $35 for 10. They can be purchased at the Clinton Municipal Airport or through Venmo, with buyers asked to email Nass at marlananass@cityofclintoniowa.gov with their contact information to verify their ticket number. The air show’s Venmo is “Iowa Aviation Promotion Group, Inc” at @FlyIowa.
The air show is being organized by Clinton-area businesses, volunteers and community sponsors.
“It’s been over a decade since Fly Iowa came to our region,” Kelly Goodsman-Smith, a member of the Fly Iowa committee, said in a press release. “This amazing free event will draw thousands. There is plenty of parking at the airport. There will be a whole lineup of food vendors and activities in addition to the jam-packed air show. Kudos to the committee for putting together an amazing marquee event.”
Fly Iowa rotates to different Iowa cities each year. Organizers expect thousands of visitors to attend the Clinton show.