Camarillo Wings Association was awarded 2021 Service Organization of the Year by West Ventura County Business Alliance (formerly Camarillo Chamber of Commerce)!
Camarillo Wings Association is honored to have been awarded the 2021 Service Organization of the Year. Take a look at this year’s gala below!
About Camarillo Wings Association
Wings Over Camarillo Airshow enjoys a long history at Camarillo Airport. The event officially started in 1980 as the Camarillo Air Show hosted by Chapter 723 of The Experimental Aircraft Association. The mission from day one remains: Providing a fun, family-friendly event, highlighting all that Camarillo Airport offers the community, and providing opportunities for youth and families to become involved in aviation.
In 2010, Camarillo Wings Association, a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit, was formed to take over hosting the Camarillo Airshow, rebranding it as Wings Over Camarillo.
It is known as one of the premiere airshows in California. Popular for highlighting WWII-era “Warbird” aircraft, along with thrilling aerobatic performers – many from the local community – Wings Over Camarillo truly has something for everyone.
Wings Over Camarillo requires hundreds of dedicated volunteers to ensure a successful event of this size and complexity. Early on, volunteers came from three local aviation service organizations: Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Commemorative Air Force SoCal Wing (CAF), and Ventura County 99s (female pilot organization). Each year, additional volunteer groups join with youth groups and other service organizations helping with parking, flight line patrol, hospitality, entrance gate management, and beer sales. Since 2011, the organization has donated nearly $500,000 to the nonprofits and youth groups that volunteer.
In 2017, the event was renamed Wings Over Camarillo Air Show | Car Show | STEM, as improvements throughout the years broadened appeal to the larger community. The classic car and motorcycle show displays more than 200 exotic and classic vehicles. The STEM Pavilion (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) highlights the latest in aviation, aerospace, and more. Kids and families can fly drones, explore flight simulators, watch robotics in action, and participate in many other STEM exhibits and hands-on activities.
Veterans have always been honored at Wings Over Camarillo. The popular Veterans Hangar allows guests to visit with veterans and heroes from all wars and learn history firsthand. In 2017, they partnered with the City of Camarillo to honor Ventura County veterans with a Department of Defense commemorative pin. In 2018, they honored firefighters who risked their lives during the Thomas Fire, and in 2021, they honored healthcare heroes for their extraordinary service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2019, they added pyrotechnics, including a wall of fire and aerial smoke rings with a fly-through by an aerobatic performer. That year, they also partnered with Ventura County Animal Services on their “Clear the Shelter” event, during which all animals were adopted.
2020 officially marked the show’s 40th anniversary but was cancelled due to COVID-19. Returning strong in 2021, they celebrated their 40th event with the largest-ever attendance for their most thrilling airshow, largest car show, and most fun STEM Pavilion.
The support of generous sponsors allows the annual event to take place, including Ventura County Department of Airports, City of Camarillo, Oxnard Auto Center, Visit Camarillo, California Aeronautical University, Gene Haas Foundation, California Lutheran University, Sun Air Jets, Air 7, and many other local companies.
