An 11th-hour injection of state funding means the show will go on. The show, in this case, is the annual Visit Atlantic City Airshow — which was in real danger of cancellation this summer.

The event is a signature and beloved one for Atlantic City. The Airshow draws hundreds of thousands of people to the city’s beaches while generating tens of millions of dollars in economic impact. Rumors and reports swirled this week about its uncertainty.

And during a Wednesday press conference in Atlantic City, Michael Chait, president of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber – the event organizer – revealed just how close to grounding the event they came.

Chait said that organizers have known for months that the Airshow was at risk, due to inflation and other new costs for the event, as well as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds not coming back.

“And there are a lot of variables associated with the event that increased costs that we haven’t experienced in years,” said Chait.

He noted the confluence of costs as well as the event being free. “The pandemic certainly was a big part of this – with inflation and increased cost for the Airshow,” he said.

Last-minute save

Chait looped in Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small Jr., who reached out to Gov. Phil Murphy’s office as the deadline approached.

“He [Small] knew we were getting close to a deadline for canceling the Airshow,” said Chait. “And actually, the press release was ready to go tomorrow morning. But through those conversations and his direct outreach to the governor’s office, we were able to secure funding through the South Jersey Transportation Authority, which is going to secure the event for 2024.”

The SJTA is providing $300,000 for the show, with Atlantic City International Airport presenting the event. Visit Atlantic City remains the title sponsor.

Small detailed the chain of events and correspondence with the governor’s office to help secure the funding and keep the signature event on the calendar.

“The Airshow is important. It’s vital to our businesses and casinos,” said Small. “Millions upon millions of people of people have attended over its time, and as Mayor of the Great City of Atlantic City, I wanted to step in and take charge to be a leader to help save the Airshow.”

“The Atlantic City Airshow brings thousands of spectators to the beaches of Atlantic City every year and is essential to the success of the city’s economy,” said Murphy in a statement. “We’re thrilled to announce a partnership with the South Jersey Transportation Authority and Atlantic City International Airport to ensure this fantastic event takes place this summer.”

A signature AC event

Chait thanked the mayor and governor for their efforts on this – and gave a shoutout to Visit Atlantic City and its president and CEO, Larry Sieg, who stepped in to help save the event three years ago when it was at risk.

“If you think of the investment of the $300,000 from the SJTA, the funding from Visit Atlantic City, the funding that we raised to support the event – how much that impacts the local business community, provides really a source of free entertainment during the summer for our residents,” said Chait. “But it also highlights the brave men and women that serve. It highlights our aviation economy here in the county. This has tremendous legs and reach – as a single event. But it does not happen without the collaboration and support of the mayor and the city; our partners like Visit Atlantic City, and dozens and dozens of other partners. We are incredibly grateful for the support of everybody – and we’re thankful we can put the event on.”

“This is a signature event for Atlantic City,” said Sieg. “We are proud to be a partner of the Airshow – and we are proud that partnerships are going to grow with South Jersey Transportation Authority, of course, the mayor and the City of Atlantic City. We have a vested interest in this event. And so, we’re not going anywhere. And we continue to look forward to being the title sponsor. Onward to ’24.”

Mark your calendars

During a gaggle with reporters following a bill signing in Perth Amboy Wednesday, Murphy discussed the situation further.

“The AC Airshow is one of the big days in Atlantic City – and due to financial reasons, it was a little bit teetering,” Murphy said. “And I was really happy that Mayor Small, who we do a lot with – big fan of his – reached out to me directly, and we were able to come up with the support that he needed to make this a reality. We’re thrilled – really excited about it.”

“Today is truly a great day here in the City of Atlantic City,” said Small. “I’m just happy to announce that the Airshow is a full-go.”

The practice day is slated for Aug. 13, with the Airshow scheduled for Aug. 14.

Grounded

One event that won’t take flight this summer is the annual New Jersey Lottery Festival of Ballooning, which organizers are putting on a one-year hiatus. Click here to find out the reason for the decision.