TEXARKANA, Ark. — The Texarkana Airshow made a triumphant return to Texarkana Regional Airport on Saturday, drawing thousands of visitors after a 30-year hiatus.

Presented by Red River Credit Union, the event served as a signature regional celebration ahead of the United States' 250th birthday.

Activities began early Saturday morning with the "Run the Runway" 5K, a charity race organized by the non-profit For the Sake of One to benefit local foster care programs.

The ground festival featured static aircraft displays, food trucks, and a high-performance supercar driving experience from Precision Exotics. The Outlaw Barbecue Association also hosted a major competitive cook-off featuring a $10,000 prize purse for pitmasters from four states.

Live music filled the afternoon with performances by Heather Linn & the Deacons, Cam Allen, and headliner Wade Bowen.

The main aerial showcase featured 15 distinct acts. The U.S. Army Golden Knights precision parachute team opened the flight demonstrations alongside Undaunted Airshows. The evening performances included high-energy displays from Vampire Airshows, the Full Throttle Formation Team, historic warbirds like a B-25 Mitchell bomber, and a U.S. Coast Guard rescue demonstration.