HILLSBORO, Ore. — Sponsors say the absence of the Blue Angels cost the Oregon International Air Show a chunk of its audience.
KGW-TV reported that attendance at the weekend Hillsboro event was off 15 percent — 60,000 this year, 70,000 last.
Spokesman Steve Callaway says the impact of the federal budget cuts known as sequestration meant the show didn’t have the military presence that draws large crowds — most notably, the Blue Angels flying acrobatic team.
The Oregon airshow fared better than others around the country, some of which have been canceled or seen up to 40 percent fewer spectators.
The three-day event featured acrobatic plane shows, aircraft displays and fireworks.
The Blue Angels also will be absent at this weekend’s Seafair hydroplane races in Seattle.
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