ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (KYW Newsradio) — The Atlantic City Airshow was at risk of being canceled this year because organizers didn’t have the money, but a call to Trenton helped deliver the cash, and the show will go on as planned.
Show organizers told Mayor Marty Small they needed between $250,000 and $300,000 to save this year’s Airshow. Small called Gov. Phil Murphy.
“He said, ‘Alright, I’m on it,’” said Small. Eventually, Small says the governor got back to him and said the funding was secured through the South Jersey Transportation Authority, which saved the show.
“The Airshow is important. It’s vital midweek business for the casinos. Millions upon millions have attended that Airshow over its time,” said Small.
About 500,000 visitors attend the show each year, which was previously run by the Greater Atlantic City Chamber. Small says it produces about $50 million in economic activity for the city’s businesses, in addition to being a free, family-friendly event. This year’s show will be held on August 13 and 14.
Organizers are already trying to find more permanent funding sources and partnerships to ensure the Airshow continues into 2025 and beyond. They’re kicking around the idea of moving it to the city’s shoulder season if that helps save it.