Thunderbirds on Hold for Rochester Air Show

It's an event that draws thousands of people to the Rochester airport, especially when the Thunderbirds are the star of the show. But now the Rochester air show may not happen.

Cautiously optimistic. That's how promoters of the Rochester Air Show are feeling just three months out from show time. The main attraction, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, are canceling all performances around the country beginning April 1.

The headliner, the Thunderbirds, will not fly. The Air Force is canceling more than sixty aerial demonstrations in forty cities, including Rochester, between April and November.

"I probably wouldn't go," said Kristi DeBlase, Webster.

With the show up in the air, promoters in Rochester are keeping their fingers crossed that something will change in Washington soon.

"The jet team is really our star attraction. We want them in there. Are we prepared to go ahead without them? I can't say for sure, but we do have contingency plans," said Peter Lawrence, Air Show Promoter.

The Air Force says grounding the Thunderbirds will allow it to reallocate flying hours to combat readiness training.

"It would be good to have them come in, but I understand the budget stuff and some things have to go. And if it's them versus equipment for the troops, ya know, what are you going to do," said Darrell Bruder, Rochester.

A number of things could happen between now and the start of the Rochester air show June 1.

A change in sequestration in Washington could mean the Air Force would reverse its decision and the Thunderbirds will fly.

As far as the Rochester air show, promoters say there is a chance even without the headliner, the show would still go on. There are plenty of other attractions that could draw Rochesterians eyes to the sky.