Its the most advanced flying machine in the air. It sometimes makes its pilots dizzy. Sen. John McCain hates it.

On July 4, the F-22 Raptor will fly along the Ruston Way waterfront as part of Tacoma Freedom Fairs air show. The planes appearance is a rare event, said Doug Miller, president of the Tacoma Events Commission, which puts on the fair.

Its a real feather in our cap, Miller said.

The highly maneuverable Air Force stealth fighter has its fans and detractors. It was called the most expensive, corroding hangar queen ever by McCain. Sticker price: $150 million.

The main entertainment stage is the America Be Strong stage at Camp Patriot, the farthest west location of the Freedom Fair on Ruston Way, right next to the Lobster Shop. The headlining show starts at 3:30 p.m. with Chuck Stevens (Beach Boys, Monkees, Eddie Money) and Tony La Stella & the Goombas.

Though Miller, his staff and volunteers are dedicated to putting on an entertaining event, money is forefront on his mind. Public Independence Day events have been canceled all over the country in recent years (most recently in Orting) and Freedom Fair is feeling the pressure, Miller said. Besides buying tickets to associated events like tonights Rainiers game and Sundays car and airplane show, the best way to support Freedom Fair is to make a donation, Miller said.

Its whats going to make or break the event, frankly, he said. Volunteers will be manning donation stations at the three entrances and Miller said they are hoping for $5 a head.

We could be delivered a knockout punch if the public doesnt vote with their dollars. The show must go on.

Heres a rundown of Independence Day events, which kick off today:

TODAY

More here:

freedom soars Regional events