Rumble Over the Redwoods Returns: Third Annual Airshow Set For Aug. 8-9 At Humboldt County Airport

Organizers are finalizing plans for the third annual Rumble Over the Redwoods airshow, set for August 8-9 at the California Redwood Coast–Humboldt County Airport (KACV) in McKinleyville. Promoters say safety is a top priority; to reduce the hazard from planned pyrotechnics, the Arcata Fire District will perform a prescribed grass burn on airport property as part of the preparations.

Safety Measures And Operations

"Safety is key," said Dennis Dunbar, founder of Dunbar Airshows. He noted that prescribed burns are routine before many of his events and that fire trucks will be staged and ready during pyrotechnic displays. Anali Gonzalez, business manager for the Arcata Fire District, added that the controlled burn is designed to lower grass fuel on airport grounds, support smoke management, and improve safety for both aircraft and firefighters.

The burn will be conducted only in appropriate weather and controlled conditions. Visitors and neighbors may see flames and active firefighting personnel in a designated area, but airport flight operations are not expected to be disrupted and no road closures are anticipated.

What To Expect At The Show

Dunbar Airshows, experienced in staging large aviation events such as EAA AirVenture and Sun 'n Fun, has assembled a lineup of aerial acts and extensive ground displays. The show features headline performers including the Patriots Jet Team, Luke Aikins of the Red Bull Air Force with his specialty "Pick and Flick" stunt, aerobatic pilot Vicky Benzing (in her P-51 "Plum Crazy" and Stearman), and a variety of historic warbirds, including B-17 and B-25 bombers and multiple P-51 Mustangs. A P-47 Thunderbolt will appear at the show for the first time.

Other flying acts include Steve Hinton performing a solo routine in an F8F Bearcat, Warren Pietsch in a P-51 Thunderbird, Mark Peterson bringing an A-37 Dragonfly for a Vietnam-era tribute, and an AD-4W Skyraider (the classic "Sandy") from the Erickson Aircraft Collection. Bernie Vasquez returns with precision flying and special aircraft, and the Ala Doble Flying Collection will display the Jim Younkin–built "Goliath," a 1941 Super Stearman powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 600-hp radial engine.

Ground Attractions And Practical Details

The event's static displays will include warbirds, local general aviation aircraft, U.S. Coast Guard and Cal Fire assets, and a FedEx Cessna SkyCourier. For the first time the airshow will feature a Ferris wheel to give attendees elevated views of the redwoods, ocean and aircraft; depending on when the morning fog lifts, riders may be ascending while visibility is still low.

Because KACV provides scheduled commercial service, the show must pause for arriving and departing airliners. Additionally, persistent coastal fog often delays flying activity until late morning, so the program is run as an "honor-the-sequence, not-the-time" show: acts fly when conditions permit rather than on a strict clock.

Community And Attendance

The airshow has strong local support: the first year drew roughly 75,000 attendees and last year about 100,000, with organizers hoping to set a new attendance record. About 175 volunteers help stage the event. For context, Humboldt County's population is approximately 131,647 (U.S. Census Bureau).

Tickets are available through the event's official channels. Organizers emphasize that safety, community engagement, and an enjoyable experience for families and aviation fans remain central to the Rumble Over the Redwoods mission.