LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
After nearly nine months of preparation, the AirFest 2010 planning committee is ready to showcase the accomplishments of military aviation to an expected crowd of 300,000 Saturday and Sunday at the historic Kelly Field Annex flightline.
The one-of-a-kind U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the gravity-breaking Army parachute-jumping Golden Knights team, and Tora! Tora! Tora!, with its re-enactment of the attack on Pearl Harbor, will headline Lackland AirFest 2010.
The event is free and open to the general public. Gates are open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
"We have a great show planned and I hope everybody gets an opportunity to come see the awesome history of airpower we're featuring either overhead or displayed on the ground," said Lt. Col. Robert Montes, AirFest director.
Other incredible aerial demonstrations include performances by the F-22 Raptor, the 21st century fighter; the Navy's F/A-18 Hornet, a twin engine, mid-wing, multi-mission tactical aircraft; as well as the F-16 Fighting Falcon, the Air Force's high performance combat aircraft.
On the ground, multiple static displays will give visitors an up close look at today's U.S. military airpower. Vintage aircraft on the flightline will include a B-25 Mitchell, the Republic P-47, and the F4U-5 Corsair.
AirFest is a family event where parents can enjoy the beauty of airpower and children can play and participate in activities just for kids. Various children's activities will include a rock climbing wall, video game trucks, bounce castles and entertainment by Radio Disney.
The aerial demonstrations will begin at approximately 10:30 a.m. each day when members of the Air Force Combat Control Team open the show by jumping in with the U.S. flag. Daily events will conclude when the Thunderbirds take to the sky in the afternoon.
Primary parking for AirFest 2010 is at Nelson Wolff Municipal Stadium, located off Highway 90, Callaghan Road exit. The Air Force will provide daylong free shuttle service from the stadium and designated areas at Lackland transporting visitors to the main entrance to Kelly Field, located at the intersection of Billy Mitchell Boulevard and Frank Luke Drive at Port San Antonio. People parking at Lackland must have a Department of Defense ID card and are asked to exit Military Drive and follow the signs.
- Gates are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
- Concealed weapons, large tote bags, ice chests, backpacks, alcohol, skates, skateboards, roller blades and pets, with the exception of service animals, are prohibited.
- For more information, visit
http://www.lackland.af.mil/airshow.