I recall in 90's this air show drew over million visitors over the 2 days period. The hotels on the strip were sold years in advance.
Sun, Beaches and spectacular show mixed with the fleet week. Blue Angels were the star of the show.
I was at every air and sea show from 1995 through 2007. It drew over 4 million people at its peak. Even though I lived in Fort Lauderdale I would grab a hotel on the beach so I didn’t have to . I would get there on Thursday and leave on Monday. Still some of the best times I’ve ever had in my life. I used to have my scanners hooked into computer speakers.
I found this article online.
“MDM Group has made a commitment to hold the show for the next ten years and we hope that you will continue to produce the corporate hospitality village as well as the name entertainment. I can’t imagine doing anything without you and your wonderful staff.” — Mickey Markoff (President, MDM Group/McDonald’s Air & Sea Show) Over its 13 year run, the Ft. Lauderdale Air & Sea Show was the largest two-day spectator event in the world, hosting over 4.5 million people each year.
That article is from 18 years ago. Crazy how time flies.
Mike