Waterfest, Air Show to return to Englewood after pandemic pause

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. – Englewood’s Waterfest and the Florida International Air Show are both making their comeback this year after a year off because of the coronavirus.

“The air show and the water fest are two premiere events in Southwest Florida and specifically Charlotte County,” said Dana Carr, chairman of the Florida International Air Show.

From the sea to the sky, attendees will have plenty to do. Both events are popular in the county, and demand is growing after cancellations in 2020.

“It’s that pent up demand thing. People are wanting to get out and do things,” said Sean Doherty, the tourism director for Charlotte County.

“To be able to bring back outdoor events, good family wholesome events, is important to getting back to that normality,” Carr added.

Combined, the air show and Waterfest bring millions of dollars to the county — not including what local residents spend.

“The return is so great that it does make sense for the county to invest in them,” Doherty said.

That investment comes in the form of county services such as the sheriff’s office, emergency services, fire rescue and things of that nature.

A year without these events took its toll on the county, but organizers suggest fans are loyal and will come back.

“I think the county, Southwest Florida, the world is ready for some normality to say the least,” Carr said.

The post Waterfest, Air Show to return to Englewood after pandemic pause appeared first on NBC2 News.

NBC2 (WBBH-TV)