Beech Bash 2026: Ultimate Fly-In Event

American Bonanza Society Beechcraft A36 arriving at Beech Bash — The American Bonanza Society’s A-36 arrives at Beech Bash. (Photo by Eddie Phillips)

A small-town airport in Western Kentucky came to life April 23-26, 2026, with the fifth annual Beech Bash in the Bluegrass.

More than 170 Beech aircraft — as well as a few other makes and models — flooded into Madisonville Regional Airport (2I0), along with over 400 attendees, the furthest hailing from England and France. But this was no ordinary “walkabout and look at planes” fly-in event.

Aerial overhead view of Madisonville Regional Airport ramp during Beech Bash — An overhead view of the Madisonville airport during the fly-in. (Photo by Gary Chambers)

Beech Bash founder Sam Guirguis has jumped into his passion with both feet. An accountant by trade, he was inspired to learn to fly by his aviation clientele from across the country. These clients all had one thing in common — each owned Beechcraft aircraft.

Beech Bash founder Sam Guirguis smiling at the aviation event — Beech Bash Founder Sam Guirguis. (Photo by Gary Chambers)

Realizing the 16-hour drive between his south Florida home and family property in Kentucky would be better served by air, he earn his pilot certifications, upgrading from a Grumman Tiger to a Beech F33A and finally an A36TC Bonanza.

David Thompsen's vintage Beechcraft Twin Bonanza — David Thompsen’s Twin Bonanza. (Photo by Eddie Phillips)

Guirguis initially created Beech Bash to bring his clients together face-to-face for the first time. Madisonville’s proximity and central US location offered a logical meet-up point. But from the beginning, Guirguis envisioned something very different from a typical fly-in.

“I wanted something where you could bring the whole family and enjoy it together,” he said.

The ramp on the first day of Beech Bash 2026. (Photo by Gary Chambers)

That approach led to an activity schedule well beyond that of a typical aviation-only fly-in, creating an environment where the whole family can be engaged regardless of their aviation interest level. Kiddie activities and bounce houses capture the attention of younger attendees, while adults are offered a variety of non-aviation activities including off-airport field trips touring the town of Madisonville and local coal mines, bourbon tastings, and both live and silent auctions.

Nighttime fireworks display illuminating a Beechcraft T-34 Mentor on the ramp — Beech Bash fireworks light up this T-34. (Photo by Gretta Thorwarth)

Daytime and nighttime air show performances, professional fireworks displays, outdoor movies and concerts, costume parties, and park outings for kayaking, cornhole, disk golf, and biking are geared to engage the entire family.

Jim Pietz was among the performers at the annual Beech Bash. (Photo by Gary Chambers)

Erik Edgren performs in his T-Clip Taylorcraft. (Photo by Eddie Phillips)

Guirguis’ first gathering in 2022 garnered more than 120 attendees. Each subsequent year has reached even further beyond the initial client “meet and greet” concept, supported by an active eponymous Facebook group and increasing engagement from notable industry merchants.

Jim Pietz waves to the crowd after his performance. (Photo by Gary Chambers)

This year, special events included the largest known formation and gathering of E33C and F33C aerobatic Bonanzas.

Bill Kershner protege Catherine Cavagnaro of Ace Aerobatic School and former Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) President Mark Baker were among the forum presenters.

One of the forums held during the fly-in. (Photo by Gretta Thorwarth)

Vendors included Garmin, McFarlane, MT Propeller, Gallagher Aviation, Lightspeed, and many others, several offering products for raffle prizes.

Regardless of the event’s undeniable aviation foundation, says Guirguis, “the flying’s part of it, but really it’s about the people and the experience.”