TORRINGTON – We are just one month away from Torrington’s first aviation aerobatic contest, the Torrington Tailslide AcroRodeo. The competition will be held Saturday, May 17 at 8:30 a.m. and Sunday, May 18 at 8 a.m. at the Torrington Municipal Airport. Hosted by Chapter 12 of the International Aerobatics Club (IAC), pilots will compete by performing rolls, spins and other skilled maneuvers. Judges will score each run based on precision and difficulty. Winners will be named after the final run on Sunday.

Wayne and Heidi Forbes are organizing the event with help from many in the community. The Forbeses are veterans of the aviation aerobatic community and have been involved in events across California and Colorado in recent months. A self-described “Wing WAG,” or wife or girlfriend of a pilot, Heidi Forbes is the administrative force behind the planes. 

“Aerobatics isn’t just about fancy flips in the sky – it’s about precision, guts and making new friends,” Heidi said. “Wayne and I are bringing this thrill to Torrington as the contest director and event planner for the first ever Torrington Tailslide AcroRodeo on May 17-18, 2025. Picture planes dancing over our Wyoming plains, with you cheering from the ground. It’s going to be a rootin’-tootin’ good time and we want you there.”

The Forbeses are not alone, though. Many members of the community have come alongside them to help bring the idea to life. Recently, a plane ride was auctioned off at the Sagebrush and Roses Eastern Wyoming College event. First State Bank and Open Barrel Brewing Company have also supported the AcroRodeo.

The Forbeses encourage everyone to attend.

“This is a chance to witness aviation history in the making. Pilots from across the region and U.S. colleges will battle it out, pushing their planes to the limit against Wyoming’s stunning plains. Bring the whole family, set up your lawn chairs, and enjoy a weekend of awe-inspiring aerobatics. Whether you’re an aviation buff or just love a good show, there’s something for everyone,” the couple explained. 

They hope this will be the start of an annual tradition at the Torrington airport.

Save the date for this exciting event. For more information on sponsoring, volunteering, or competing, contact Wayne and Heidi Forbes at TorringtonTailslide@gmail.com.