HI Al - agree with your sentiments, just feel (with my cynical mode on) that we are beyond saving these types of events given current and especially future planned resources. I've been to RIAT 4 times as 'static' (I did move a bit though
) and I always thought it was the ideal event to foster young peoples interest in all activities military aviation related. Lost count of the number of kids we showed around the jet who seemed wide-eyed with interest (probably about how old and smelly it was..). I appreciate it also has its very large spotter element but they too are paying the entry fee so helping swell the RAFBF coffers.
By the way, your typo made me larf "will there be anything more soil destroying than a military parade through a town somewhere"
Had visions of a group of marching erks veering onto council flower beds and causing mayhem