Clearfield » After 30 years in the U.S. Air Force, Lt. Col. Carl Wright still finds it "thrilling" to watch airplanes pitch and roll high in the sky.

But the Hill Air Force Base chaplain said a military air show has added benefit for him: "I love that everyone is looking up."

Indeed, about 290,000 people had their eyes glued to the Utah sky during HAFB's open house and air show Saturday. The aeronautic event kicked off at 10 a.m. with the "Wings of Blue" parachute jump team from the Air Force Academy and ended nearly eight hours later with a performance by The Thunderbirds, the Air Force's famed air demonstration squadron. The event continues today.

Show attendees looked at dozens of modern and vintage aircraft -- some which flew missions in World War II, Korea or Vietnam. One of the most popular draws was a walk through the modern, but massive, C-17 transport plane, so large it's difficult to imagine it can even get off the ground.

"It's something you don't see every day, at least not up close like this," said Clint Perry, of Riverton.

While HAFB holds air shows on a regular basis, this year's event had added significance: It was part of a larger Air Force Week celebration staged in and around Salt Lake City. Utah was one of three states selected by the Air Force to hold the annual celebration in 2009.

Dale Johnson of Lehi, is a veteran air show attendee. "I'm always fascinated by the massive amount of technology and manpower that goes into protecting us."

Randy Sanchez of West Jordan, whose father was stationed in Okinawa, says he drags his family to air shows whenever possible.

"I grew up around airplanes. I've been a fan since I was little," he said. "I love looking at the old ones. I love looking at the new ones. And I'd give anything to be up there in one."

kathys@sltrib.com