Airport Director, Lloyd Arnold and Montrose County Commissioners have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s Colorado Tribute to Aviation scheduled for September 19 and 20, at the Montrose Regional Airport. This action is necessary in order to protect the public health of our community in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The safety of our supporters, volunteers, and participants is our top priority. Unfortunately, it has become apparent we will not be able to proceed given restrictions on an event of this size,” said Lloyd Arnold, Montrose Regional Airport Director of Aviation. “I would like to thank our sponsors, vendors, volunteers and fans for their continued support. On behalf of Montrose Regional Airport and the Colorado Tribute to Aviation, we wish everyone and their families the very best of health during these difficult times.”
Montrose Regional Airport has been following the guidelines of our local, state and national leaders very carefully and the planning team was hopeful that Tribute might be able to proceed in some fashion. Given that the event typically attracts crowds over 20,000 spectators throughout the weekend, canceling was the only remaining option. “We wanted to provide our community with an event to look forward to, but unfortunately that’s not an option at this time,” said Commissioner Roger Rash. “This is a signature event for not only the airport, but the entire western slope and canceling was not an easy decision.
The Colorado Tribute to Aviation’s mission each year is to provide a free community event that is a safe, family-oriented, and educational while highlighting aviation and Montrose Regional Airport’s capabilities. Despite this year’s cancellation, organizers are already working on planning for the 2021 event and working to make it even more memorable for aviation enthusiasts and the public alike. At this time, the Colorado Tribute to Aviation is scheduled at Montrose Regional Airport September 18 and 19, 2021.
