Great New England Air Show wraps up

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - The last plane has landed and the show is over at Westover Air Reserve Base, but what a fun and successful weekend it was attracting more than 200,000 visitors during this weekend.

The fifth heat wave of the summer still couldn't stop a hundred thousand people from checking out the Great New England Air Show Sunday.

“I never miss a show. They're outstanding for me and the kids. I enjoy it more than the kids do,” said Alejandro Ramirez of Springfield.

The show means a lot to our military veterans young and old, who see the exhibits as a trip down memory lane.

“I was in the military back in the late '50s, early '60s. I just come to see what's new,” said Joe Slattery of Southampton.

“Some of them I've actually flown on as a passenger to go to different places around the world over the years. So there's a little nostalgia there. It's one of those things that just stays with you,” said Albert Peloquin of Scituate, RI.

But there's really something for everyone at the air show, like a flight simulator that puts you in the pilot seat.

“When it first went upside down. I wasn't really ready for it. It was like I was kind of floating,” said Damien Cote.

The Great New England Air Show brings a special sense of pride to those who serve at Westover -- and the people who love them.

“I would like to follow in my dad's footsteps. Whenever he comes home I ask him, 'Dad! Tell me about all the stuff you've done in your work!" said Jared Smith.

“It's really fun to see my dad tell me about everything he does in work and I'm very proud of him,” said Caroline Smith.

“I just have to say I think they're pretty lucky that their dad works here,” said Frankie Nigro of Belchertown.

But while the show is fun, the job isn't always. So we're all pretty lucky, that so many selfless military men and women are willing to serve our country every day.

The Red Cross of Pioneer Valley was at the air show all weekend to provide free water and make sure everyone stayed hydrated enough to enjoy the show.