Fair St. Louis has secured the world's only civilian-owned Royal Navy Sea Harrier to appear at the celebration's three air shows. That's a big coup for organizers who knew the return of the air show would not be complete without the Harrier, long the crowd favorite.

"When we announced the air show was coming back, the first question everyone asked is what about the Harrier," said spokeswoman Meg Shuff.

For years, spectators marveled as the Harrier rose vertically from the Mississippi and turned to stare the crowd straight in the eyes. The spectacle was both awe-inspiring and chilling. However, Boeing no longer makes the Harrier and, as of just two weeks ago, its appearance was in doubt.

Alas Air show chairman Tim Jones managed to strike a deal with former Marine Art Nalls, who purchased a completely demilitarized Harrier in 2006. It's the second Sea Harrier ever manufactured and, at 31 years old, the oldest surviving one.

Air shows are schedules for noon Saturday and 10:45 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. Sunday. For more information, visit www.celebratestlouis.org