Flyovers and a fifth free music concert were added Monday to Bombers and BBQ, a celebration of the 75th anniversary of Hot Springs Memorial Field taking place over Memorial Day weekend.
The Bulldog Formation Flight Team of civilian aviators will perform close-formation flyovers over the airport and the city starting at 2 p.m. Saturday.
"These aviators fly Vans RV aircraft and perform breathtaking formations while trailing thick white smoke," Kim Weatherford, who is coordinating the weekend's activities, said in a news release. "It will be a spectacular addition to our two-day celebration."
The Bulldog Flight Team is based in North Little Rock and has performed at events all over the region, she said. The formation of six or seven aircraft changes formation seven times during each flight, making tight turns and spewing the white smoke.
A local band, Last Draw, has been added to the four previously announced free concerts that will be performed Friday and Saturday, Weatherford said. The band will perform from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. Saturday.
Four auxiliary parking areas serviced by a free shuttle service will operate during the weekend, in anticipation of large crowds, organizers previously announced. The parking areas served by the free shuttle service will include a lot at the airport, lots at the Kroger store and the old Pizza Hut location, both located in the 200 block of Airport Road, and a lot at Resort TV Cable, in the 400 block of Airport Road.
With the new events, the Bombers and BBQ celebration will now feature a vintage aircraft display, the Bulldog Flight flyovers, five free music concerts, a $15,000 barbecue contest and an array of other activities, Weatherford said.
"We'll have free shuttle service to accommodate attendees, plus parking areas for disabled people and motorcycles," including the auxiliary lots, Weatherford said. The shuttles will operate from 4-10 p.m. Friday and from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday.
"We're adding free music, classic aircraft, an '80s costume contest and plenty of other activities to the biggest fireworks display in Hot Springs history as we mark the 75th anniversary of our city's airport. It's all free and open to the public, presented by Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort. So come on out for a full weekend of fun for the whole family," Airport Director Glen Barentine said in the release.
The fireworks display will be held at 9 p.m. Saturday, and coordinated with music broadcast simultaneously on US 97. The display is being moved this year only from Lake Hamilton to the airport as part of the Bombers and BBQ celebration, and will return to Lake Hamilton in 2023.
Weatherford said the activities will begin at 4 p.m. Friday with the 1980s costume contest. The free music begins at 6 p.m. with a performance by Blane Howard, followed at 8 p.m. by The Molly Ringwalds, a band that celebrates 1980s pop culture.
The gates open at noon on Saturday with an all-day display of vintage aircraft that includes a P-51 Mustang and an AA DC-3 Flagship Detroit, Weatherford said.
She said those attending should bring lawn chairs; ice chests are not allowed.
The complete schedule for the two-day celebration is as follows:
Friday
• 4 p.m. -- Gates open.
• 4-6 p.m. -- Bombers on display.
• 4-8 p.m. -- Kid Zone.
• 4-7 p.m. -- '80s Costume Contest.
• 6 p.m. -- Blane Howard concert.
• 8 p.m. -- The Molly Ringwalds.
• 10 p.m. -- Close.
Saturday
• Noon -- Gates open.
• 11 a.m. to noon -- Baggo Tournament registration.
• Noon to 3 p.m. -- Baggo Tournament.
• Noon to 5 p.m. -- Bombers on display.
• Noon to 8 p.m. -- Kid Zone.
• Noon to 3 p.m. -- KCBS BBQ Cookoff.
• 12:30 p.m. -- Last Draw concert.
• 2 p.m. -- Close formation flyovers by the Bulldog Flight.
• 4:30 p.m. -- BBQ Cookoff winners announced.
• 5:30 p.m. -- Mayday by Midnight concert.
• 7:30 p.m. -- The Just Sayin' Band concert.
• 9 p.m. -- "The Largest Fireworks Display Ever in Hot Springs."
Weatherford said food trucks, vendors and an ATM will be available on site, and proceeds from the event will benefit The United Way of The Ouachitas, Garland County Stop Animal Cruelty and the Fraternal Order of Police.