Columbus Air Show opens remaining fundraising slots for community groups

By AI, Created 9:05 PM UTC, May 21, 2026, /AGP/ – Central Ohio civic, school, youth, faith-based and nonprofit groups can still claim fundraising placements at the 2026 Columbus Air Show June 19-21 at Rickenbacker International Airport. The opportunity could bring in several thousand dollars per weekend team and is tied to a high-profile show featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Canadian Forces Snowbirds.

Why it matters: - The remaining volunteer-concession placements give local organizations a way to raise money during one of the region’s biggest summer events. - Groups can use the funds for travel, camps, retreats, marching band costs, ministry outreach, scouting, student activities, scholarships and veteran support programs. - The setup links community fundraising to a major air show expected to draw strong attendance.

What happened: - Central Ohio civic, school, youth, faith-based and nonprofit organizations are being urged to secure the remaining fundraising placements tied to the 2026 Columbus Air Show Presented by ScottsMiracle-Gro. - The air show runs June 19-21 at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus. - Fundraising participation is open Friday, June 19 through Sunday, June 21. - The event lineup includes the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds in a rare joint appearance. - Organizations interested in participating are asked to register interest by Friday, June 5.

The details: - Participating groups may earn several thousand dollars, depending on staffing levels and event attendance. - San Francisco Puffs & Stuff, Inc. is the official concessionaire for the Columbus Air Show. - The company provides donations equal to 10% of gross concession sales from each volunteer team’s assigned booth. - San Francisco Puffs & Stuff was founded in 1982 and is based in Florida. - The company specializes in high-volume concession operations for large-scale events nationwide, including air shows, festivals and community events. - More information on requirements, volunteer coordination and registration is available through the participation site. - A limited number of team placements remain open across peak event days.

Between the lines: - The limited inventory of volunteer slots suggests organizers expect the busiest days to fill first. - The fundraising model gives groups a direct tie to concession traffic, so strong attendance could translate into stronger payouts. - Sharon Shortt, vice president of San Francisco Puffs & Stuff, said the program has drawn strong interest from community organizations across the region.

What’s next: - Groups that want in need to commit before the June 5 interest deadline. - Remaining placements will likely be assigned on a first-come, capacity-limited basis as the event approaches. - The Columbus Air Show will then run June 19-21 with headline military demonstration teams on the schedule.

The bottom line: - The Columbus Air Show’s leftover fundraising slots are a time-sensitive chance for local groups to turn event traffic into cash before the June 5 deadline.