Reno Air Races to bring festival atmosphere this year

Organizers of the Reno National Championship Air Races said they plan more of a festival atmosphere at 51st competition at Reno Stead Airport in September. (The Reno Gazette-Journal, Tim Dunn/Associated Press)

Ward Howes/Associated Press

RENO — Organizers of the Reno National Championship Air Races said they plan more of a festival atmosphere at 51st competition at Reno Stead Airport in September.

The Reno Air Racing Association said in an open letter to its fans on Tuesday they are adding concerts, more races and an expansion of military aircraft displays Sept. 10-14.

The Air Races has been plagued by skyrocketing insurance costs since a crash in 2011 killed a pilot and 10 people on the ground.

But the group leaders said they recently secured a policy at a significantly lower cost than the previous two years and believe they are “financially positioned for a prosperous 2014 and beyond.”

They said this year’s celebration will be a “true festival of flight.”