Pistons & Props Expands Into Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport's First Airshow in 14 Years
Why It MattersCommunity-organized airshows like this one sustain regional airport visibility and public engagement with general aviation outside major commercial hubs.
The third annual Pistons & Props event at Southern Wisconsin Regional Airport in Janesville is bringing Rock County its first large-scale airshow in 14 years, running three days with performances, educational activities, and family entertainment. The event begins Friday, with air shows Saturday and Sunday afternoons from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Coordinator Josh Gowey said the event has roughly doubled in size each year, and approximately 800 people are working across the three-day event this year.
Janesville nonprofit Propel Forward organizes Pistons & Props and has spent five years working to make an airshow of this scale possible at the airport again. Sponsorship covers about 20 percent of costs, with ticket sales making up the remainder. Friday features hot air balloon rides, fireworks, and a Veterans Night offering free admission to veterans, while a car show runs Saturday and live music is scheduled each day. A quarter of the event space is devoted to World War II aircraft that visitors may ride or touch, with opportunities to speak with pilots.
A kids educational zone focused on STEAM runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, including a rocket launch, hands-on building projects, and aviation science exercises led in part by Patrick McAlee's Extreme Flight STEAM Experience. McAlee will also perform in the air show flying his modified Pitts S1-S, the Blue Demon. Proceeds support Propel Forward's educational programs and the Rock County Emergency Veterans Fund. Gates open Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m., with Blackhawk Technical College providing overflow parking and shuttle service.
