The Great State of Maine Air Show returns to Brunswick on Saturday and Sunday, and the forecast of low 70s and sunny is considered “air show perfect weather,” said Herb Gillen, marketing director of the event.
Tickets are still available, said Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority Executive Director Steve Levesque.
“There is a great, rich history and support for the military and the Navy in the area, and this show brings back that Navy pride and gives the younger generation an opportunity to interact with military members,” Gillen said.
Apart from the aircraft in the air, Gillen said there will be dozens of planes on the ground with crews to give tours, answer questions and take photographs.
“The hotels are full and the restaurants will be busy,” he said. “There is a lot of trickle down with that.”
The Blue Angels, a team of six pilots, will arrive in town this week and begin their practice runs to familiarize themselves with the landscape. At least one jet has been seen flying above Brunswick already.
“The Blue Angels — it doesn’t get any more special than that,” said Gillen, who added this show will be the Angels only New England appearance in 2017. The Blue Angels are based in Pensacola, Florida.
New to the lineup this year is the U.S. Special Operation para-commandos demo team, comprised of elite special forces groups including Army Rangers, Navy Seals and Green Berets to perform military demonstrations and open the show with a flag drop.
“These guys are the best of the best,” Gillen said.
A special rehearsal show, the result of a partnership by MRRA, the American Legion Post 20 in Brunswick and the sponsor of the event, Air Show network, will be put on for 100 veterans on Friday, which has already sold out, Levesque said.
As the theme of the show is “honoring those who serve,” Levesque said there is an obligation to give back to those who sacrificed so much in defense of freedom.
In addition to the Blue Angels, the U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight, civilian performers Michael Goulian, Mike Wiskus, the Smoke-n- Thunder Jet Car and more will be performing.
Parking will be available on the Brunswick Landing grounds. Pets are not allowed and the air show encourages the public to bring sun protection and ear protection as well as seating. A complete list of what can and cannot be brought onto the air show grounds can be found on the air show website, greatstateofmainearishow.us.
General admission to the air show is $30 for adults if purchased online, or $40 at the gate. For children, online tickets are $20 and $25 at the gate. Children under 3 are free.
Gates open at 8 a.m. Static displays, the kids zone and exhibits will open at 8 a.m. The national anthem will be at approximately 11:30 a.m. Performers will start immediately after that and continue until about 4:30 p.m.
A new app, GSOM Air Show, has been created to help people navigate the schedule and access information about the air show.
jlaaka@timesrecord.com
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