Decades ago, a group of like-minded friends had an impromptu gathering on a ranch. Pilots flew in, people brought out their instruments and merrymaking ensued.

The Airshow of the Cascades was born.

“It basically started as a small fly-in on a rural farm with a grass strip, and it just outgrew it,” said Airshow of the Cascades board president, Tom Gray.

Considering that last year’s attendance was estimated at around 10,000 people, and this year’s event today and Saturday in Madras (see “If you go”) is expected to draw even more, that grassy field has certainly been eclipsed.

Whether avid aircraft enthusiasts or budding aviators, this year’s attendees will find plenty to grab their attention. The Commemorative Airforce, an organization which acquires and preserves combat aircraft, will have a B-17 and a B-25 on display. It’s significant because, according to Gray, those aircraft models were used during the 1940s when the Madras Airport was a training base.

Other sights to keep an eye out for include a Black Hawk helicopter from the Oregon National Guard and a Dolphin helicopter demonstration from the U.S. Coast Guard. The air shows will also include performances by Bud Granley (in a T-6), Manford Radius (in a glider), Greg Howard (in a Giles 202) and Steve Ellison (in an Extra 300).

Tonight’s night show will then feature fireworks and a wall of fire. The latter, for air show newcomers, is when a plane conducts a low, strafing pass over a trench filled with flammable liquid, which is ignited and becomes a curtain of fire.

Vendors will also be on hand selling food and drink, aircraft toys and rides in aircraft — likely biplanes and helicopters. Gray said that the rides are good introductions to flight for both young and old attendees: “It’s always a joy to see your own community from the air.”

And Gray should know, since he’s a pilot himself.

“Much like a fly fisherman where fishing is their passion, flying’s been my passion for 30 plus years,” he said.

Who knows? In another 30 years, perhaps one of this weekend’s attendees will be able to say the same.

If you go

What: Airshow of the Cascades

When: 4-9 p.m. today, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

Where: Madras Airport, 2028 N.W. Airport Way

Cost: $8, free ages 12 and younger and veterans (veterans tickets available from local veterans facilities)

Contact: 541-475-6947 or www.cascadeairshow.com

Airshow schedule

Today

• 4 p.m. gates open

• 5:30-7:30 p.m. live music

• 6 p.m. fish and chips dinner, $8 adults, $5 kids

• 7-9 p.m. dusk performance

Saturday

• 8 a.m. gates open

• 8-10:30 a.m. Elk’s air show breakfast,; $7 adults, $4 kids

• 1:30-4:55 p.m. air show performance