Decked out in pink shoes and top hats, the Swift Magic Aerobatic Team thrilled spectators Saturday with its flying performances. The Swift Magic team was just one of several acts performing at this weekend’s ABATE River Cities Air Show and Motorcycle Extravaganza at the Natchez-Adams County Airport.

&uot;Air show flying is really about entertainment more than it is (about) flying,&uot; said Michael Kennedy, left wingman. It lets the audience &uot;see something that looks nice in the air.&uot;

The team, which formed in 1991, incorporates a magic theme in its act. Members wear top hats while signing autographs and occasionally perform simple magic tricks for their youngest fans. Their stunts are all called by names such as the &uot;Top Hat&uot; and the &uot;Abracadabra.&uot;

Dewayne Upton, right wingman, catches much attention in his pink Converse tennis shoes. &uot;It started as a joke,&uot; said Kennedy of Upton’s shoes. &uot;It just became his trademark.&uot;

But several years ago, Converse tennis shoes became scarce, and Upton had a problem. He contacted Converse and the company mailed him 12 pairs of the pink shoes — all they could find in his size from all over the country. &uot;I’ve got five more new pairs,&uot; he said. &uot;Anytime that I’m flying with the air show at all, I’m in pink high tops.&uot;

Upton believes anyone can learn to be a pilot and perform tricks like Swift Magic.

&uot;We are not doing anything anybody can’t do, if they want to do it bad enough,&uot; he said.

The show benefits the Sunshine Shelter for abused children. It is coordinated by the Natchez Airport and American Bikers Active Towards Education. Other acts featured include Sport Aviation and the Globe of Death. The show continues today.