Thunder Over Michigan air show will bring Blue Angels, vintage war planes to Willow Run
The Thunder Over Michigan air show returns this weekend to Willow Run Airport.
Visitors will be able to watch the renowned U.S. Navy Blue Angels, as well as an air and ground reenactment of a World War II Pacific theater battle featuring a live flamethrower.
“People don’t get a chance to immerse themselves in aviation,” said air show director Kevin Walsh.
Willow Run is also home to the Yankee Air Museum, which aims to preserve southeast Michigan’s aviation history. Organizers expect more than 100,000 people at the two-day event.
Find the list of performers online.
The show also will feature demonstrations by a USAF F-16 Viper East, an aerial dog fight between two military aircrafts from the Vietnam War, an A-4 Skyhawk and a MIG-17, an MV-22 Osprey and a USAF B-1 Lancer Fly-by.
“What makes us popular is the entertainment standpoint,” Walsh said. “The show is here to entertain. We keep in mind the general public and we want them to be vividly entertained by what we’re doing here.”
On Saturday there will be a demonstration by a B-2 stealth bomber.
Tickets are $25 per adult before the show dates; youths 15 and younger are free. Parking is $5 per vehicle. Tickets can be purchased here. Tickets at the gate are $30 per adult and $10 per vehicle. Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
“This is one of the number one aviation events in North America — we have the world premier jet demonstration team with the Blue Angels,” Walsh said. “It’s really rare that it comes together in such a big event. People should take the opportunity to come out to Willow Run and enjoy the weekend.”
All of the show’s proceeds benefit the Yankee Air Museum.
Comments
Chris 8 - YPSI PRIDE
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 4:31 p.m.
I got a great preview while eating lunch yesterday in the rest stop on I-94 between Belleville Road and Rawsonville Road. I hope to get another spot there today unless they are all filled up. Free parking and lunch only cost 9 bucks. I enjoyed it in my air conditioned vehicle. You couldn't ask for more.
jns131
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
If you want to watch the Blue Angels for free, sometimes they fly in Traverse City during their Cherry festival. Gotta get there early and then watch them fly over Traverse City Bay. Its free and you can sometimes find a nice shade tree to boot.
WalkingJoe
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
I'll be there Sat. Can't wait. Not only are the live demonstrations great but they also have lots of ground displays too. Well worth the price of admission.
jns131
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
If you are coming in? It looks like they are going to close off Ecorse Road coming in from the West side off Michigan. They did this last year. Plus they are having people come in from a different area all together. They too buzzed our house all day Thursday, but it was too hot to sit outside to watch. What power these planes have.
dexterreader
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 12:41 p.m.
Watched one of them "practicing" in the skies over Dexter on Tuesday. It was quite a treat and something you don't see very often around here!!
dexterreader
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 12:42 p.m.
actually .... it was Wednesday, not Tuesday.
OLDTIMER3
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 10:45 a.m.
$55 dollars in this economy to watch a few planes fly around, I don't think so. I can go to my daughters house and see most of the show for free!
jns131
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
In this economy who has $55? The wealthy sector and those who aren't taxed to death by the state because they don't make enough. Hate to say it, but you can watch these things for free if you know where to go and where to park. Otherwise, we stay home and get buzzed overhead. I remember when it was half this price.
alan
Fri, Jul 22, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
It's a great show... If more people took your approach there wouldn't be a show. Cheers to all the paying viewers.