Airshow Safety

Rules, Safety and Guidelines

Rose City Airfest is an annual airshow held in Tyler, Texas, benefiting Communities Assisting Military Personnel and Veterans (CAMPV), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans and their families in East Texas. The event welcomes families, aviation enthusiasts, and community members for a day of world-class aerial entertainment. The following guidelines are in place to ensure a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for every guest. We're grateful for your cooperation and can't wait to see you there!

Can I drive and park at Rose City Airfest?

Yes! Please allow extra travel time to reach the show and secure parking, as some delays are possible. A word of caution: the aerial activity overhead has a way of pulling your eyes from the road. Please stay focused while driving and arrive safely. Parking is available in designated areas only. Rose City Airfest security personnel and local police are authorized to tow any vehicle parked in an unauthorized location, so when in doubt, follow the direction of on-site staff.

Can I bring my pet to Rose City Airfest?

No. For the safety of both animals and guest, pets are not permitted on the airshow grounds. The only exception is certified service animals, which are welcome in accordance with ADA guidelines.

Is smoking or vaping allowed at Rose City Airfest?

No. Out of respect for the safety and comfort of all attendees, smoking and vaping are strictly prohibited anywhere on the airshow grounds. Any guest observed smoking or vaping will be asked to extinguish or put away their device immediately. Thank you for helping keep the environment pleasant for everyone around you.

Are umbrellas allowed at Rose City Airfest?

Yes. Umbrellas are welcome on the grounds as a courtesy to fellow guests, provided they are no larger than 34 inches in diameter. Oversized umbrellas obstruct sightlines and may be asked to be removed.

What is the litter and trash policy at Rose City Airfest?

Rose City Airfest asks every attendee to dispose of their trash responsibly. Dozens of clearly marked trash containers are positioned throughout the grounds. Please use them, and if you spot stray litter nearby, we'd appreciate you picking that up as well.

This matters more at an airshow than it might seem. Litter left on the ground poses a serious aviation risk known as Foreign Object Damage, or FOD. In simple terms, FOD is any loose object that has the potential to damage an aircraft or interfere with its systems. That includes everyday items like paper, plastic bags, cardboard, discarded ice bags, nuts, bolts, and tools, virtually anything left on the ground near an active flight line. FOD can be ingested by an engine, jam a control surface, puncture a tire, short an electrical circuit, or cause a fire. The consequences can be catastrophic.

Every guest plays a role in FOD prevention. Please dispose of all trash in the designated containers provided throughout the grounds. It is one of the simplest and most important things you can do to keep our airshow, and all aircraft, safe.

Is food or drink allowed near the aircraft at Rose City Airfest?

Food and beverages must be kept at least ten feet away from all aircraft at all times. The acids found in many foods and drinks can damage sensitive aircraft surfaces, and even a minor spill can result in a lengthy and costly cleanup for an aircraft owner. Please be mindful and enjoy your refreshments at a safe distance from the flight line.

Is outside alcohol allowed at Rose City Airfest?

No. Outside alcohol is not permitted on the airshow grounds and will be confiscated by security personnel upon entry. Attendees found in possession of alcohol in a non-licensed area may be asked to leave the grounds without refund.

Alcohol is available for purchase at designated tents throughout the grounds and may be enjoyed anywhere within the show perimeter.

What should I know about the heat at Rose City Airfest?

Rose City Airfest takes place in East Texas, and if you know Texas summers, you know what that means. High heat and humidity are a real possibility, and we want every guest to stay safe and comfortable throughout the day.

Come prepared: wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing and drink plenty of water before, during, and after your time on the grounds. Keep in mind that on a hot day, your body loses fluids faster than thirst alone can signal. Don't wait until you're thirsty to hydrate.

Please familiarize yourself with the warning signs of heat-related illness:

• Heat Stress — Difficulty thinking clearly, muscle cramps in the limbs or abdomen.
• Heat Exhaustion — Moist, clammy skin; ashen or grayish complexion; dilated pupils; confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; weakness; or nausea and vomiting.
• Heat Stroke — Dry, hot skin; loss of consciousness; convulsions; rapid pulse; and labored breathing. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.

If you or someone near you experiences any of these symptoms, proceed to the medical tent immediately or alert the nearest Rose City Airfest staff member.

Can I touch the aircraft at Rose City Airfest?

Please do not touch, lean against, or place any object against any aircraft on the grounds without the explicit permission of the owner. The aircraft on display are privately owned and are not public exhibits. Treat them with the same respect you would extend to any personal property. When in doubt, ask first. Most owners are happy to share their passion for their aircraft when approached respectfully.

What can I bring to Rose City Airfest?

Guests are welcome to bring lawn chairs, blankets, sunglasses, sunscreen, and similar personal comfort items. A few things to keep in mind:

• Lawn chairs are permitted in the spectator area but must be monitored at all times. Unattended lawn chairs can become a hazard to nearby aircraft, particularly on windy days. Any unattended chair found near the flight line will be collected and disposed of by event staff.
• Cash is recommended if you plan to purchase food, drinks, or souvenirs at the concession booths. For your convenience, ATMs will be available on-site throughout the entire event weekend.

What items are not permitted at Rose City Airfest?

To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all attendees, the following items are prohibited on the airshow grounds:

• Outside food or drink — Concessions are available on-site throughout the event.
• Coolers — Not permitted, with the exception of those carrying medication or baby formula.
• Cans, glass, or outside alcohol — None may be carried into or out of the event.
• Smoking or vaping devices — Strictly prohibited anywhere on the grounds.
• Drones — Absolutely no drone operation is permitted in or around the airshow perimeter.
• Ladders or step stools — Not permitted in any area of the grounds.
• Camera stands exceeding six feet in height — Shorter stands and tripods are welcome.
• Unauthorized military costumes — Please contact event staff in advance with any questions regarding this policy.
• Pets — Not permitted, with the exception of certified service animals.
• Motorized non-medical equipment — Any motorized device not required for a medical purpose is prohibited.
• Cycles, skateboards, or rollerblades — No wheeled personal transportation devices are permitted on the grounds.
• Aviation radio scanners or transceivers — Not permitted anywhere within the show perimeter.
• Balloons — Not permitted due to FOD and aviation safety concerns.
• Weapons of any kind —Strictly prohibited for general attendees. Rose City Airfest security personnel are authorized to carry weapons on the grounds for the safety of all attendees and as required by the Department of Defense. 
• Tents or shelters — Not permitted.

If you have questions about a specific item not listed here, please contact the Rose City Airfest prior to your visit.

Emergencies

What should I do in an emergency at Rose City Airfest?

In the event of any emergency, please remain calm. Rose City Airfest is prepared for a wide range of scenarios, and trained emergency personnel and event staff will be on-site throughout the duration of the show.

Follow the instructions of the airshow announcer and all emergency personnel immediately and without hesitation. Airshow staff will guide you to the nearest emergency exits, where you will receive further direction. Your safety is our highest priority, the fastest path to it is a calm, orderly response.