Ghedi Airshow Reaches 31°C but Crowd Enjoys Water Relief and Safety Measures
Although the temperature, reaching 31 degrees Celsius, did not deter the Sunday crowd and the humidity level remained relatively low to avoid additional discomfort, perhaps the absence of wind or the fact that everyone was shoulder to shoulder—not in the green spaces but close to the runway—meant that throughout the entire “Giornata Azzurra,” attendees experienced a sensation of “sunburn.”
Cooling actions and consumptions
So, when military tank trucks sprayed water at various points of the aerodrome to provide some relief, the pleasure and enthusiasm were almost tangible, as reported cheerfully from the control tower. In total, six tank trucks were used, each dispensing about 15,000 liters of water, for a total of 75,000 liters.
Additionally, since the crowd could not reach the water taps arranged alongside the hangars, soldiers provided hoses to allow the public to soak themselves all day long. It’s hard to estimate how much water was used. From early afternoon, the refreshment points had run out of supplies, including the 20,000 sandwiches prepared solely by the refreshment points of pro-Cse (Ghedi Social Educational Center).
By 2 p.m., only the VIP section’s bar had served five thousand paper cups. The numerous interventions by the Red Cross, which operated flawlessly, were mostly due to sunstroke, despite many spectators being equipped with hats, umbrellas, parasols, and—highlighting the beach-like atmosphere—even swimsuits and deck chairs.
Activities and services during the day
The post truck was also overwhelmed. By 1 p.m., the commemorative postcards and special philatelic cancellation had run out. The gadgets prepared for VIP and super-VIP guests were highly appreciated. The day’s poster, a blue cap, and a black T-shirt featuring the Red Devils’ logo were so popular that some managed to grab five or six for themselves.
Some fixed information teams and others moving through the crowd provided all necessary information. The very reasonable prices set by the Aeronautica from the twenty refreshment points within the base were also highly appreciated: simply reading the brochure distributed to everyone passing through the gates was enough to see the prices.
This helped avoid surprises and excessive speculation, ensuring the event remained a genuine celebration for all. The smooth operation was also thanks to a crowd that respected all safety advice, including arriving on foot or by bicycle, using bins to dispose of trash, or at least placing it nearby, making the “day after” much less disastrous than one might imagine.
Already today, the base was methodically dismantling the organizational setup. The orderly flow of people was maintained: visitors heeded the invitation not to rush immediately out of the gates after the Italian demonstration team’s show but rather to linger and visit the static display. By 9 a.m., movement was free again, and the police were able to pack up and leave.
Closures and safety measures
Nevertheless, during the day, the road from Ghedi to the Aerodrome had to be closed more extensively than previously planned. By noon, vehicle access was blocked, and by 2 p.m., pedestrian flow was also stopped due to serious congestion.
The day was marked by entertainment; those wandering among the crowd saw people staring at the sky but also strolling, chatting, and observing their surroundings. To ensure everything ran smoothly, the Sesto Stormo mobilized roughly a thousand personnel, both military and civilian, within the Aerodrome.
But to allow everyone to sing along with Morandi—”Such a Sunday I will never forget”—how much was spent? “There were sponsors, staff, and military resources which did not incur additional costs, and we haven’t yet totaled everything,” explained Nordio, the commander.
He also stated that the total cost is well below the 10 billion lire rumored. Based on gathered information, an estimate of just under 5 billion lire appears reasonable. To close the day with a touch of humor, the hangar party in the evening was held to bid farewell to foreign colleagues visiting Ghedi, with all attendees tanned and sporting sunglasses imprinted with masks.
A curious note: with all that water demand shared by roughly 400,000 people (a credible estimate from the leader of the Italian demonstration team who saw the crowd), one individual stood out. They were rescued after suffering from alcohol withdrawal.