32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY OCTOBER 2-8, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com CULTURE The California International Airshow at Salinas brings something old and something new. It’s quite possible there will be something borrowed, but for the first time in five years, there will definitely be something blue. The U.S. Navy’s famed squadron, the Blue Angels, returns to the airshow to cap each day with a 45-minute precision flying demonstration. The squadron of six F/A-18 Super Hornets arrived at Salinas Municipal Airport on Sunday, Sept. 28 and will be stationed at the location throughout the event. It provides attendees with a rare opportunity. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, which were featured in previous years, used Monterey Regional Airport as their base for takeoffs and landings. While Monterey pilot Vicky Benzing is an airshow veteran, she is bringing two planes to Salinas for the first time. Her stunt plane is a 1940s Boeing Stearman, which is mostly original— except for the smoke system, of course. Benzing will perform in the Stearman during the morning portion of the show. In the afternoon she will take to the sky in a purple P-51 dubbed “Plum Crazy,” used in the Reno Air Races during the 1960s and ’70s. It was, in fact, the 1970 national champion. As always, the field will include a number of displays, from vintage P-51s flown during World War II to the Air Force’s massive C-17 Globemaster. Joby Aviation, which has a facility in Marina, will show off its futuristic electric air taxi. Joby’s aircraft will be on display beginning Friday, Oct. 3. Visitors will be able to peek inside and perhaps ask questions about the unique aircraft. Event organizers hope to bring an example of Archer Aviation’s electric plane now in development, as well. The airshow also brings big numbers—not counting planes and people. There’s the 29,000 pounds of thrust from the F-16C Fighting Falcon in the USAF Viper demonstration or the 25,000 horsepower produced by twin jet engines mounted in a 1957 Chevrolet pickup truck. The 350-mile-per-hour truck, named “Smoke N Thunder,” will race aerobatic pilot Ed Hamill on both days. In between all of this will be a number of aerobatic performances and demonstration flights. The California International Airshow takes place 11am-4pm Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 4-5. Salinas Municipal Airport, 30 Mortensen Ave., Salinas. (831) 754-1893, salinasairshow.com. U.S. NAVY PHOTO Blue Sky The Angels will soar over Salinas, headlining the aerial action at the California airshow. By Dave Faries The U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels are a crowd favorite thanks to the squadron’s show of precision formation flying. The Oven Pizzeria is here to help! Whether it’s a corporate event, family gathering, or a graduation party, we’ve got the perfect pizzas to please everyone. Choose from our classic East Coast thin crust or signature West Coast sourdough for that unique slice. Let us handle the meal, so you can enjoy the time. Craving Pizza? Catering made easy visit www.TheOvenOnBroadway.com for our menu Call us at 831-899-1762 to order! WOODY DON'T KNOW SCARY, WOODY KNOWS TASTY! THE FRESHEST LOCAL INGREDIENTS, GOURMET FOOD, REASONABLE PRICES. MONTEREY REGIONAL AIRPORT 200 Fred Kane Drive MONTEREY 831-373-1232 open 9am-9pm Every Day CARMEL VALLEY ATHLETIC CLUB 27300 Rancho San Carlos Rd CARMEL (831) 624-2737 open Wed-Sun Lunch and dinner DEL MESA CARMEL 500 Del Mesa Carmel CARMEL VALLEY 831-624-1854 open Wed-Sun lunch and dinner WoodysMontereyAirport.com FRESH. LOCAL. TASTY. Fisherman’s Wharf FRESHEST SEAFOOD with PANORAMIC VIEWS Open Daily at 11:30am • At the end of Fisherman’s Wharf #1 www.rockfishmonterey.com • 831.324.4375
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