Mt. Vernon Airport Invites Sponsors to Support Historic All-Women Air Race Classic Terminus
MT. VERNON, IL — This summer, Mt. Vernon will proudly serve as the Terminus host city for the 2026 Air Race Classic, a one-of-a-kind cross-country air race featuring all-women pilots and crews from across the country.
More than just a race, the Air Race Classic is a celebration of determination, skill, and the enduring spirit of women in aviation—a field where women continue to break barriers, pursue dreams, and inspire future generations.
As the race concludes in Mt. Vernon June 26–29, the community will welcome participants, families, and visitors for a multi-day celebration at the Mt. Vernon Airport. Organizers are now inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals to become sponsors of this historic and empowering event.
“This is an incredible opportunity to support women who are literally reaching new heights,” said Sheila Jolly Scrivner, Mt. Vernon ARC Chairperson. “We especially encourage women-owned and women-led businesses to join us in lifting up these inspiring pilots—but this is truly a community effort, and we welcome all who want to be part of something meaningful.”
Sponsorship opportunities offer a unique chance to align with a nationally recognized event while gaining visibility and connecting with visitors. Available sponsorships range from $200 to $4,000 and include opportunities such as event experiences, hospitality spaces, youth programming, and high-visibility branding placements.
Highlights include:
- Welcome Tent Sponsor ($1,500): Engage directly with visitors and provide branded items
- Youth Aviation Day Sponsor ($200): Inspire the next generation of aviators
- Meltdown Party Sponsor ($2,000): Be part of a signature celebration event
- Awards Banquet Sponsor ($4,000): Support the culmination of the race and recognition of participants
Sponsors receive benefits such as logo placement on promotional materials, recognition at official events, social media exposure, and on-site branding throughout the Terminus celebration.
Beyond visibility, sponsorship represents something more: supporting women supporting women—championing ambition, resilience, and the courage to chase big dreams.
“With pilots flying thousands of miles to reach Mt. Vernon, this event is about more than competition—it’s about community, mentorship, and showing what’s possible,” Jolly Scrivner added.
Businesses interested in becoming sponsors or learning more about partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact the Mt. Vernon Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Join us in celebrating achievement, empowering women, and welcoming the Air Race Classic to Mt. Vernon.
About the Air Race Classic
The Air Race Classic is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and educating women pilots, increasing public awareness of general aviation, and honoring the legacy of women in aviation through an annual cross-country air race.
The Air Race Classic is a nonprofit organization dedicated to encouraging and educating women pilots, increasing public awareness of general aviation, and honoring the legacy of women in aviation through an annual cross-country air race.
Media Contact:
Sheila Jolly Scrivner
Host City Terminus Chair
618-242-7016
Sheila Jolly Scrivner
Host City Terminus Chair
618-242-7016
sheilamvaa@gmail.com