See our best photos from 2023 California Capital Airshow

The California Capital Airshow returned on Saturday and Sunday, filling the skies over Rancho Cordova with spectacular aerial demonstrations.

Performers this year included the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the A-10 Thunderbolt II and civilian performers such as Jim Peitz in his Beechcraft F33C Bonanza.

With more than 105,000 attendees according to event organizers, the show was back to full capacity for the first time since 2019. In recent years it has run at 50% or 60% of capacity.

“There’s so much more out here than we’ve ever had,” said Darcy Brewer, executive director of the airshow. “The displays are bigger, more people are out.”

The nonprofit that organizes the show works throughout the year to provide scholarships and mentorship to children in STEM and aerospace fields.

Pilot Stephanie “Boss” Goetz, who flies the Aero L-39 Albatros, said she enjoys the opportunity to speak with young people about different ways they can pursue an interest in aviation.

“It can seem very daunting, confusing — do you go military, do you go civilian?” she said. “There’s no wrong path.”

This story was originally published September 25, 2023 at 10:37 AM.