Fairchild Air Force Base Air Show History
The show started in the 1920s as “ The National Air and Derby Race .” Spokane became known as an aerial demonstration center even before being named as an air show location . In 2022 , Fairchild AFB became active for 80 years .
Horton , the base historian , shared details regarding the early history :
“ To drum up support and establish arrangements along the race route , Sergeant Raymond A . Carroll and Jack Fancher flew to New York and back in the “ Swallow ” — an aircraft belonging to Spokane ’ s legendary aviator , Nicholas B . ‘ Nick ’ Mamer . During the race events were several races beginning in New York and San Francisco that ended in Spokane . Various classes of aircraft , sponsored by cities and companies throughout the nation , competed for cash prizes and trophies . One of the exciting participants in these pre- and inter-race displays was Army Air Corps Ace Lieutenant James H . “ Jimmy ” Doolittle . In addition to his official events , Doolittle buzzed downtown Spokane upside down in one of his trademark ‘ loops .’ As a result of the 1927 National Air Races , Spokane became known as a leader in our nation for aviation activity and eventually the city became home to Fairchild Air Force Base .”
The Skyfest website , www . fairchildskyfest . com , sums up the importance of this year ’ s Skyfest . “ 2022 marks the 80th anniversary of the Spokane Air Depot , now known as Fairchild Air Force Base .
24 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS