Promoters of the Wings Over North Georgia Air Show in September are promising a fun and safe event at Rome’s Richard B. Russell Regional Airport.

John Cowman told members of the Greater Rome Chamber of Commerce transportation committee Wednesday, Feb. 1, the planes are “never, never, directed toward the crowd.”

Cowman said marketing efforts for the Sept. 28-30 show would be spread across a 70-mile radius around Rome, which Cowman said has the potential of reaching more than 2.8 million people. He expects the show to draw at least 75,000 visitor and said he would not be surprised if the three-day event brings as many as 100,000 to the Rome area.

Related events will include the Smoke-n-Thunder Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned barbecue cook-off and the Smoke-n-Thunder auto show.

“Every time I meet with these guys I’m impressed,” said Floyd County Manager Blaine Williams.

Cowman said his partners in the venture have more than 300 years of military and air show experience.

“I think it’s going to be Georgia’s premier event,” Cowman said.

The annual Great Georgia Air Show at Peachtree City has been canceled this year

In addition to the previously announced Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Black Diamond Jet Demonstration and aerobatic specialist Michael Goulian, Cowman told members of the chamber panel the Fort Benning Silver Wings parachute demonstration team, the Bill Braack Jet Car, John Klatt Air Show, Red Eagles Air Sports team, Kent Pietsch aerial comedy show, Dan Buchanan Flying Colors Parasail Show, and Otto the Helicopter Show have all signed on to participate in the event.

Cowman said plans include a major country act to perform a concert in conjunction with the air show on Saturday night, Sept. 29.

Show officials will be meeting with local officials next week to work out the details of parking arrangements. General admission parking is likely to be set up at remote locations with regular bus shuttle service to and from the airport.