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FreedomFest president tells BOAC the air show drew at least 15,000; organizers thank airport and volunteers
Summary
Greg Lanson, president of America's FreedomFest, reported to the Goshen BOAC that the recent FreedomFest air show drew an estimated minimum of 15,000 attendees, featured headline acts including an F-16 demo and stunt pilot Skip Stewart, and supported scholarships and youth programs.
Greg Lanson, president of America's FreedomFest, told the Goshen Board of Aviation Commissioners that this year's air show and associated events drew a minimum of 15,000 attendees and that organizers believe the actual number may have been closer to 20,000.
"We believe we had at least 15,000 people show up that day," Lanson said, adding that the figure is a conservative estimate. He described headline performers — an F-16 Viper demo team (which had mechanical issues the day before but flew), stunt pilot Skip Stewart, and a jet truck act — and noted a fireworks display that many attendees called "one of the largest" in Indiana.
Lanson described organizational scale: about 20 board meetings and five executive-committee meetings in preparation for the event, roughly 200 volunteers on site the day of the event, and more than 2,000 volunteer hours put into the production. He also said FreedomFest provides educational outreach and scholarships — awarding $500 toward Washington, D.C., trip costs for essay contest winners — and partners with local schools and youth programs.
Board members and staff praised the event and organizers. The board also heard related reports on other airport events (an RC-model "Air Supremacy over Goshen" event with ~1,500 attendees over three days) and approved future event dates, including Air Supremacy over Goshen for June 24—16, 2027 and a runway-run fundraiser scheduled for Oct. 17.
Why it matters: The event is a major one-day draw for Goshen City and the airport, producing substantial volunteer engagement and local economic activity while relying on close coordination with airport operations, contractors and emergency responders. Organizers credited airport staff and contractors for helping produce the event and for supporting safety responses during an on-site medical incident.
Next steps: Organizers will continue planning for 2027 events and coordinate with airport staff on dates and operational details.
