2018 Winston-Salem Air Show Is Canceled

This year's Winston-Salem Air Show has been canceled. Officials say this is primarily due to construction at Smith Reynolds Airport.

Airport director Mark Davidson says there are several reasons for canceling this year's air show, including finances and the need for more lead-in time to book performances.

But Davidson tells the Winston-Salem Journal that the main reason is construction work aimed at sprucing up the aging facilities.

Scott Piper is the chairman of the Airport Commission of Forsyth County. He says Smith Reynolds Airport is also facing financial challenges since losing its biggest tenant, North State Aviation, in 2017.

The Winston-Salem Air Show is usually scheduled in September, and can draw between 20,000 and 30,000 people over two days.

The airport has not held an air show since 2015 because of the construction demands.