The Amigo Airsho has been a beloved El Paso tradition for decades. Since 1981, the event has brought entertainment to El Paso with breathtaking aerial performances and fascinating static aircraft displays. The Amigo Airsho had a long-running home at Fort Bliss’s Biggs Army Airfield, entertaining crowds for over 30 years. However, after the last show took place in Santa Teresa in 2014, the skies over the border city seemed slightly less bright.
This fall, though, the luster will return with some modern innovations.
While The Amigo Airsho was the name used for decades, the event has now been rebranded to the MSSG Amigo Airsho. MountainStar Sports Group (MSSG) will proudly serve as the title sponsor of the renowned Airsho. MSSG are the owners of El Paso’s Chihuahuas, El Paso Locomotive FC, and Juarez Bravos. The return of the event marks a significant milestone for both entities and promises to enhance the Airsho experience for attendees from across the region and beyond.
The event may have a fresh name but the driving force behind its return is no newcomer.
Tresa Rockwell has worn many hats during her involvement with Amigo Airsho, from Executive Director to Marketing and Fundraising leader. Now in the role of CEO, Rockwell had noticed the absence of the event left a void in the community.
“One of my personal initiatives in bringing the Airsho back was knowing we need a catalyst that will really reunite the military with our community and to have our community embrace it and understand what the military does for our community,” said Rockwell. “When it comes time to retire, we want them to stay here. We want them to become part of our leaders who continue on to live here and contribute to our community.”
The Amigo Airsho is the only civilian-run Airsho on a military base and it plays a prominent role in bringing together the military and civilian communities.
Determined to revive the beloved tradition, Rockwell went to talk to one of the original Co-Founders of the Amigo Airsho, Chairman and CEO of TECMA, Alan Russell. Rockwell’s passion and vision for the event convinced Russell to grant her the green light. Working quietly for four years to gain all the necessary approvals, she secured the endorsement of the current Fort Bliss Commanding General Isenhower, who made the Airsho’s return one of his top priorities.
The collaborative efforts of Rockwell, Pedro “Peter” Attaguile, and Vianey Esparza have been essential in restoring the Amigo Airsho. As Director of Operations, Attaguile is particularly eager to witness the community’s joyful reaction.
“For me, I think it’s to experience that intangible feeling of excitement from people once you have those jets roaring. You’re going to have people screaming and shouting, there may be a little buzz maybe they’re just kids maybe they’e all just expressing happiness and joy. And it feels different because it’s not [directed] towards a particular team. It’s towards the spirit of aviation the advancement of technology, humanity, and so forth. So, it’s a very wholesome idea behind it, and I’m very excited to see it.”
Esparza, the Director of Marketing, finds her favorite part of working with Amigo Airsho is
seeing the event’s deep significance for the community.
“What the Airsho means for the community, what it does, the memories it creates: when I talk to people about the Airsho, they always have stories about when their kids and their parents/grandparents took them to show – and now they can’t wait to take their kids. Right now, it’s very nostalgic because it’s coming, and people are very excited about having it back.”
Together the team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to make their vision a
reality. Between the three of them, Rockwell, Attaguile, and Esparza form a vital force in bringingthe magic back. United in their passion, this trio has proven their unwavering dedication
to delivering an Airsho experience that will thrill El Pasoans.
The MSSG Amigo Airsho is set to soar over the El Paso skies once again on October
12th -13th 2024, with gates open at 9:00 AM, the event will run from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
each day. The Airsho will return to its long-awaited home at The Fort Bliss Biggs Army
Airfield.
Spectators can look forward to ground-based attractions with thrilling aerial
displays, exciting ground activities, and family entertainment. Attractions include an
appearance by the War Eagles Air Museum, bringing their prized jet cockpit orientation
trainer to display at the event. Breathtaking aerial maneuvers from the famous Royal
Canadian Air Demonstration Squadron, The Snowbirds, will take to the skies to deliver
a stunning performance.
“We are very fortunate that our Airsho, through one of our past presidents, Rhonda Butler, has had a very good relationship with the Snowbirds for decades. And she is an honorary Snowbird. I don’t know how many honorary Snowbirds there are, I think under 200, but I like to say not even Tom Cruise is an honorary Snowbird – so for Rhonda to be selected as an honorary Snowbird is really spectacular!”
Representing all three elements (Army, Navy, and Air Force), the Canadian icons will bring thrilling performances to the MSSG Amigo Airsho. Beyond the Airsho’s highly anticipated return, the event holds added significance as it coincides with the centennial year celebration of The Snowbirds.
The MSSG Amigo Airsho, in collaboration with the War Eagles Air Museum, is committed to inspiring the next generation by bringing engaging STEAM-focused initiatives to local schools.
Additionally, supported by the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation, they will be offering the “MountainStar Sports Group Amigo Airsho Sky Bound Scholarship.” This one-time $2,500 award will be open to high school seniors in the region who plan to pursue a 2-year or 4-year degree in aviation, aerospace, or space programs, with applications opening in January 2025.
From hands-on learning to scholarship opportunities – the MSSG Amigo Airsho and its community partners are investing in the dreams of the next generation of aspiring local aerospace professionals right here in El Paso.
As the MSSG Amigo Airsho prepares to soar the skies, the El Paso community can take
immense pride in welcoming back this beloved tradition. For years, the Airsho has
brought people together through the power and wonder of aviation. With so much to
offer above and below, the upcoming Airsho is set to captivate audiences and inspire a
new generation of aviation enthusiasts.
Words and photos by
Katherine Kocian
Photoshoot location courtesy
The War Eagles Air Museum
