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Fairchild grounds 2021 Inland Northwest Skyfest over COVID-19 concerns

U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds streak across the sky with the moon as a backdrop during Fairchild Skyfest, July 29, 2017.  (DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)
U.S.A.F. Thunderbirds streak across the sky with the moon as a backdrop during Fairchild Skyfest, July 29, 2017.  (DAN PELLE/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW)Buy a print of this photo
By Greg Mason gregm@spokesman.com(509) 459-5047

Fairchild Air Force Base announced Wednesday that this year’s Inland Northwest Skyfest is postponed.

The event last took place in June 2019, showcasing newly developed and classic military aircraft with an airshow. Citing COVID-19 concerns, however, event organizers ultimately decided to postpone the 2021 iteration.

“We explored a number of alternatives, but after careful consideration, we simply cannot execute a worthwhile event that would not potentially endanger both the community and members of Fairchild Air Force Base,” officials said in a statement. “We understand what the air show means to Fairchild and the surrounding communities, so this was a difficult decision.”

Fairchild officials said they look forward to hosting the event “in the near future.”