WATSONVILLE — After the overwhelming response from last year’s debut event, organizers of the Fire in the Sky Airport Open House decided they needed to double up on everything.
That was indeed the case Wednesday, when thousands of people poured into the Watsonville Municipal Airport to check out more food trucks, first responder aircraft, aerial displays, fireworks and more.
Longtime Watsonville residents Ed and Karen Show were attending the event for the first time.
Ed Show said he found parking on the runway to be a “super smooth” process, and was impressed by the turnout.
“It seems really well organized,” he said.
A skydiver prepares to land in front of the crowd at the Watsonville Municipal Airport during Fire in the Sky. Photo by Erik Chalhoub/Pajaronian
Carmona’s BBQ Deli was among the many food trucks participating in Fire in the Sky for the first time. A steady line of customers were visiting the truck, trying out a menu that included Thai shrimp pasta with garlic bread, burgers and more.
“We are here to support our community,” Juanita Carmona said.
Retired Watsonville Police Chief Manny Solano was busy pouring beer at the Pajaro Valley Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture’s booth. He said he enjoyed meeting a lot of people from out of town, and added the event was a good way for nonprofits to get exposure for their organizations.
“This goes a long way to bring community together,” he said. “It’s a safe way for people to enjoy fireworks.”
New this year, the West Coast Ravens performed a formation flyover. A number of first responder aircraft were also on display, including Cal Fire, CALSTAR, California Highway Patrol and more.
The West Coast Ravens perform a flyover. Photo by Erik Chalhoub/Pajaronian
