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Naval Air Facility El Centro (NAFEC) has announced an extension of its official poster contest for the 2026 Air Show, giving artists until Dec. 12, 2025, to submit entries. The airshow is scheduled for March 14, 2026, and is expected to draw visitors from across the Imperial Valley and beyond.
The contest is open to anyone 18 years or older, with no geographic restrictions. Participants are invited to submit original artwork for a chance to have their design featured as the official poster for one of the region’s most anticipated events.
“Due to the lapse in appropriations that led to a federal government shutdown, we wanted to give artists extra time to submit their creations,” said Kristopher Haugh, public affairs officer for NAF El Centro. “The contest is not canceled, and we hope to see more submissions soon from the talented people who support our mission and vision here at Vraciu Field.”
Artists must complete a submission form and a release form along with their artwork and email them to NAFECPAO@gmail.com. Entries submitted without the required forms will be disqualified. Participants are encouraged to submit multiple entries.
The winning design will be unveiled during Blue Angels Media Day on Jan. 5, 2026, and will be featured on NAFEC’s official Facebook page. Organizers encourage artists to focus their designs on aircraft, events at the base, and the Imperial Valley, while also including a reference to Vraciu Field, the base’s airfield.
The poster contest offers a unique opportunity for artists to showcase their talent while celebrating the history and excitement of NAF El Centro and the U.S. Navy. For more information on contest rules, forms, and submission guidelines, visit www.elcentroairshow.com/poster-contest.
Naval Air Facility El Centro, located in the heart of the Imperial Valley, is a vital training facility for the U.S. Navy, particularly for aviation and flight operations. The base is renowned for hosting the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels during their winter training season and for its support of aviation activities across the region. The NAF El Centro Air Show is a key event in the community, highlighting military and civilian aviation and drawing thousands of visitors each year.
