Dyess Big Country Airfest this Saturday Published April 28, 2009 DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Dyess Air Force Base and the Abilene Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association, is pleased to announce the 2009 Dyess Big Country Airfest has been set for May 2 from 8 a.m - 5 p.m. on the west side of the Abilene Regional Airport. The airfest is free and open to the public. The EAA has been a partner with Dyess since 2007, in providing a joint-venture-air show; alternating locations between Dyess Air Force Base and the west side of the Abilene Regional Airport. Spectators can expect to see a variety of aircraft, from small "homebuilt" airplanes to large military combat jets. "I am excited to continue this partnership with the community of Abilene and the EAA," said Col. Robert Gass, Commander 7th Bomb Wing, "Having a yearly air show is just one way we say thanks to a very appreciative city and also show-off some of the impressive hardware the Air Force operates." The 2009 lineup begins with an air race at 8 am, followed by demos from both military and civilian aircraft until noon, and finishing with a heart pounding acrobatic show. The afternoon will feature the Houston Acrobatic Chapter, including performances by national acrobatic champion Debbie Rhin-Harvey and several other well known performers. The military portion of the 2009 lineup will feature flybys from the Dyess based B-1 bomber and C-130. Flybys also include B-2, B-52, KC-135, and the F-16 West Coast Demo Team. "I am proud to provide a wonderful cross section of aviation, from small general aviation aircraft to the best military aircraft the Air Force has to offer," said Gray Bridwell, Chairman of the Dyess Big Country Airfest. Besides a wide range of aviation marvels, local food and drink vendors will be on hand to offer a great menu of refreshments to the crowd. For a list of planes click here.