MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- In four weeks, the air station will host its biggest event of the year, the 2010 Cherry Point air show, titled “Semper Fi Over the Carolina Sky,” May 21-23. The three-day air show will feature a variety of performers including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
“We’re excited about the return of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as a premiere act,” said Bob Kenward, the marketing director for Marine Corps Community Services.
With 15 unique performances this year, the air show brings acts that may take viewers’ breath away. For example, the Red Eagles, two aerobatic biplanes that perfom tricks such as inverted flat spins.
“For me, it’s pretty incredible with the airplanes,” said James D. Riemer, the air show director. “It takes an extreme amount of stamina to even stay conscious, because of the g-forces.”
Performances include a demonstration by active military aircraft and ground troops with the Marine Air- Ground Task Force.
Riemer said the MAGTF has ramped up its demo to be more exciting this year.
Other acts include C-130T Hercules “Fat Albert” with the Blue Angels, Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle, the Shockwave Jet Truck, the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and the Canadian Skyhawks.
“It exemplifies the air show’s goal in highlighting the world’s finest aviators,” Kenward said.
According to Kenward, visitors have many options when it comes to seating. They can sit in free, open blanket seating or choose between three premium seating locations.
The premium seating includes bleachers, box seats and chalet seating. All three can be purchased at the air show’s Web site, http://www.cherrypointairshow.com.
Kenward said it’s best to buy seating before the air show. Historically, some seats will sell out before the Friday show.
While the sky is busy with aircraft twisting through the clouds, the pavement will be a hodgepodge of vendors, static displays, and even a children’s play area with moon walks and air show trinkets.
Gates open May 21 at 5 p.m. The performances will start at twilight followed by a fireworks show from 9 – 9:30 p.m.
For the May 22 and 23 shows, the gates will open at 8 a.m. Flying begins at 10:30 a.m., the Blue Angels perform at 3 p.m., and the gates will close at 4:30 p.m. both days.
During the air show, vehicles with base decals should enter through the Slocum gate. The general public can enter through the Cunningham gate, and those with VIP or special-needs passes will be directed to the main gate.