VIDALIA, GA (WTOC) -
Organizers of the Vidalia Onion Festival's air show tell WTOC they have been told, from the Blue Angels flight team, to plan for them to attend until notified otherwise.
The Blue Angels have said publicly several April shows had been canceled due to federal budget cutbacks during sequestration. That list included Vidalia and Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort.
But Marsha Temples, Vidalia's air show chair, said she the team has not canceled yet.
"We've been told to continue with our list of 90 day, 60 day, and 30 day list of requirements. That' includes hotel rooms, rental cars, etc.," she stated.
The only changes had been some adjustments to the most expensive steps: $11,000 in smoke oil used during the team's flights that weekend and the $12,000 appearance fee.
"We would normally send in a deposit of $6,000 at the 30 day mark, which would be the 18th of this month. We've been told by them we can hold off on that until one week out," she added.
Temples said, if the Angels do cancel, it could make a big difference in the economic success of the show. The team has a following around the country and many people travel from other states just to see them. That means more money for hotels, restaurants, as well as the festival gate.
Temple said they feel confident they will be able to find another headline act if they lose the Blue Angels.
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