On Friday, March 18^th, 2005 was the Peace River Parade of Vintage AIRCRAFT to Honor the 25^th Anniversary of the AirShow
     Vintage aircraft paraded “in the air” around Charlotte County on Friday March 18th.  Bob Hall, Air Boss for the Florida International Air Show announced the parade.
     The planes left the airport, fly to the Peace River towards the Route 41 bridge and then over Charlotte Harbor to near Fisherman’s Village. After turning the planes proceeded back to the bridge and turn north on Route 41, the parade then proceeded Northwest to the Murdock area, turn and then back down Route 41 to the airport. The aerial parade included three jets: a Russian YAK 17, an AERO Vodochody L-29 Delfin, and a Czechoslovakian L-39 painted like the Blue Angels; four T-6’s and five T-28’s. The aerial parade began at approximately 4 PM and lasted about one hour.

     On March 19^th, 2005 the Gates opened at 8 AM.  Ultra lights and super remote control aircraft were flying by 10:30 AM.  At 11:30 a.m. were the opening ceremonies, flying began right after the parachute jump.  At 3:00 p.m. Fat Albert and the Blue Angels wrapped up the day.
     " It was our biggest crowd ever on a Saturday," said Fred Buckingham, Chairman of the Board for the Florida International Air Show. It was a beautiful day, and the crowd was amazing. They lined the fences; they lined every available space. And, what a show!
     The performances from first timers Jim LeRoy and Mike Goulian brought the crowd to their feet. They cheered Frank Ryder who appeared at the very first Florida show in 1981 and still had what it takes in 2005.
     President of the board, Bucky McQueen, said; "Wow, What a crowd and what a show!" Some of the crowd still poured in just an hour before the US Navy Blue Angels put on their performance. The crowd came to its feet when Fat Albert started the performance with a jet assisted take off.

     On March 20^th, 2005 the AirShow continued for one more day on Palm Sunday. Gates opened at 8 AM and the flying started at about 10:30. The main flying started after the opening ceremonies at 11:30.

     The Florida International AirShow’s 25th Anniversary event was held on March 19-20, 2005. The show celebrated 25 years of family oriented entertainment plus aviation education and opportunities were held on March 19-20, 2005. There were many new and exciting performers at the 2005 show.
      The 2005 Florida International AirShow featured the famed Navy Blue Angels.

     The Blue Angels were established by Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Chester W. Nimitz in 1946. The mission of the Blue Angels is to enhance Navy recruiting, and credibly represent Navy and Marine Corps aviation to the United States and its Armed Forces to America and other countries as international ambassadors of goodwill.
     With there tight formations and spectacular colors the team performs to an estimated 15 million spectators at air shows each year. Additionally, the Blue Angels visit over 50,000 fans at schools and hospitals at every air show during the flying season (March through November)..