EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — The 2025 Amigo Airshow in El Paso was abruptly canceled due to the ongoing government shutdown, according to Fort Bliss officials.
The decision, made by higher authorities in Washington, D.C., was beyond the control of the local Fort Bliss command or the airshow organizers.
Alan Russell, chair of the event, said, “Everybody that was going to be involved in an event, which is going to have maybe 35,000 people a day, was formulating and in place.”
MountainStar Sports Group, the event’s organizers, held a press conference to address the cancellation.
RELATED: Amigo Airshow in El Paso canceled due to government shutdown, organizers announce refunds
They announced that purchased tickets would be honored at next year’s show, and refunds would be available for those unable to attend.
“It’s unfortunate,” said Torrey Ward, a pilot and owner of Microjet Airshow.
“These things do happen. And things do take place in the government that, you know, make a big change in a short amount of time.”
Local residents expressed disappointment.
Adrian Hernandez, a college student, said, “I want the refund, because I don’t know if I’ll be here next year.”
Cailyn Wesstrom added, “It’s awful. I mean, with one day notice, I can’t imagine what it’s like for the people who are running the show, who are depending on this.”
Despite the cancellation, MountainStar Sports Group announced a free event on Sunday, October 19 for all ticket holders, sponsors, and volunteers at the War Eagles Air Museum.
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