Legendary fighter will light up Tri-Cities skies during Water Follies in July

The F-16 Viper Demo Team from Shaw Air Force Base is confirmed to participate in the 2025 Tri-City Water Follies, Apollo Columbia Cup and Over the River Airshow.

The demonstration team is led by pilot Capt. Taylor “Fema” Hiester.

He will fly demonstration flights on July 26 and 27 during the annual summer celebration, Water Follies officials announced Friday.

Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, S.C., is home to the Viper team, which exhibits the capabilities of the Lockheed Martin F-16 Flying Falcon.

The single-engine, single-tail aircraft is one of the most enduring craft in the U.S. military. The Shaw team performs at 20 air shows annually in the U.S. and Canada.

The Tri-City Water Follies is one of the most popular events on the summer calendar and includes unlimited hydroplane racing as well as the airshow.

Apollo is sponsor for the hydroplane races, which celebrates its 60th year in 2025. STCU sponsors the airshow.

Go to waterfollies.com for information or to learn about sponsorship opportunities.