Atlantic City Weekly

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UPDATE: Atlantic City Airshow “Thunder Over the Boardwalk” will take place rain or shine, as long as the cloud ceiling and visibility are within Federal Aviation Administration minimums for flying aircraft. There is no rain date for the show. In the eight years that the Atlantic City Airshow has taken place, it has never been canceled.
Current weather conditions call for a slight chance of rain — 20 percent — for the day of the Airshow. For weather updates, monitor News Talk 1400-AM WOND or WMGM TV40 or your local news affiliate. For any updates on the Atlantic City Airshow, go here

The Atlantic City Air Show is easily the biggest event in Atlantic City each year and the biggest mid-week air show of its kind in the world. If the 2010 Thunder Over the Boardwalk matches last year’s estimated attendance, 750,000 people will be packed along the beach and boardwalk and at special viewing parties.

Not only is the 2010 Air Show a tribute to the modern era of military and civilian aviation, but this year’s event also marks the 100th anniversary of air shows in Atlantic City and the state of New Jersey.

The centennial celebration is being honored at the Atlantic City Historical Museum on Garden Pier, and at the Atlantic City International Airport, with an exhibit by the Atlantic City Free Public Library called “Flying Fearless,” through Sept. 7 (See the virtual exhibit at njairshows1910.org).

Atlantic City played an important part in aviation history. The name “airport” was first used in Atlantic City in 1919 to describe its airfield, Edward L. Bader Field, which opened in 1910 and was the first U.S. municipal airport with facilities for both seaplanes and land-based airplanes. Bader Field remained in service until closing for good on Sept. 30, 2006.

The Atlantic City Aero Meet took place from July 4 to July 12, and was one of the largest air shows of 1910. This was just seven years after the Wright Brothers made their first flight. It should come as no surprise that the event was organized by the Aero Club of Atlantic City to draw tourists to town. Some things never change

Siganos Management is the presenting sponsor for this year’s show, in cooperation with Harrah’s Entertainment, the Greater Atlantic City Chamber, the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority, and many other partners including David Schultz Airshows, LLC.

This year’s event will again star the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, but an international flair as been added to the show, the Força Aérea Brasileira Esquadrilha da Fumaça, which translates to the Brazilian Air Force Smoke Squadron. The squadron is known for its fast-paced, close-up aerobatics and spectacular smoke displays. The Brazilian Air Force Military Demonstration Squadron consists of seven Embraer T-27 Tucano jet- prop aircraft that will be accompanied by a Brazilian Air Force Lockheed C-130 Hercules support aircraft.

This will be the first time the Brazilian air team has performed on the East Coast, and will be the first of two appearances it makes in the United States this year.

2010 Atlantic City Air Show Schedule

Wednesday, Aug. 25, 10:30am-3pm

10:30am: Horizon Blue Cross Blimp of New Jersey Flybys

10:35am: US Army Golden Knights Streamer Drop

10:37am: Tow Banner Aircraft Signage Flybys

11:00am: US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Flay Jump w/Brazilian National Anthem

11:02am: US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Flay Jump w/US National Anthem

11:10am: US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team Show

11:17am: USAF-ANG 177th FW F-16 Fighting Falcon Flyby (4-ship)

11:19am: USAF-ANG 108th ARW KC-135 Stratotanker Flyby

11:21am USAF-AFRC 514th AMW C-17A Globemaster III Flyby

11:23am USAF-AFRC 76th ARS KC-10A Extender Flyby

11:27am NJ Air National Guard Composite Flyby (KC-135 & F-16s)

11:28am TBA Military Flybys

11:34am NJ State Police OH-58, S-76A+, and Bell 206 Flybys (2-passes)

11:38am FAA William J Hughes Technical Center Global 5000 and Convair 580 Flyby (2-passes)

11:43am U.S. Coast Guard MH-65C Search & Rescue Demonstration

11:48am U.S. Coast Guard HU-25 Guardian Flybys (2-passes)

11:58am USAF A-10A Thunderbolt II Demonstration

12:12pm USAF F-16CJ Viper Demonstration

12:26pm Jim Beasley Spitfire Demonstration

12:35pm B-25 Bomber Flyby (2-passes)

12:40pm Brazilian Smoke Squadron Demonstration

1:20pm 177th JTACS Demonstration

1:33pm U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet Demonstration

1:47pm USN VAW-120 E-2C Hawkeye Demonstration

1:55pm Rob Holland Windows World MX-2 Aerobatics

2:08pm USMC AV-8B Harrier II Demonstration

2:25pm USAF Thunderbirds Enlistment Ceremony

2:30pm USAF Thunderbirds

3:00pm Air Show ends

 
Essential Air Show Info

The Atlantic City Air show is free to the public and can be viewed between 10:30am and 3pm from anywhere on the Atlantic City beach and Boardwalk. If you come, be prepared to stick around awhile. There is serious gridlock before and after the show.

Those wishing to view the air show from the ocean are welcome, but should be aware that there will be a “no boat zone” restricting boaters except for the U.S. Coast Guard, police and other marine units, from approaching too close to the Atlantic City beach.

A handicapped viewing area will be available at the pavilion at Montpelier Ave. and the Boardwalk. There is a handicap accessible ramp on Montpelier Avenue. Space is limited and will be restricted for those in wheelchairs that cannot access the beach.

Tune into WOND AM 1400 for the Atlantic City Air Show broadcast or WFPG Lite Rock 96.9 for Gary Guida’s broadcast from the Boardwalk.

Also, if you hate crowds and want to see some of the planes without the fuss, visit the Boardwalk on Tuesday, Aug. 24, when several of the acts have a rehearsal over the Boardwalk, usually beginning around 11am.

Parking:

• South Jersey Transportation Authority lots on Fairmont and Atlantic avenues; New York Ave. garage.

• Park ‘n Ride at Bader Field, courtesy of JCC Katz, in association with AC Jitney Association: $10 per car includes parking and shuttle to/from AC Boardwalk, beginning at 6:30am; drop-off at Boston Ave. and Boardwalk, near AC Hilton Casino.

• Park at the casino garages and enjoy the casino action before and after the event. Check with the individual casinos for any special discounts on accommodations (usually available with that casino’s rewards/players card).

Viewing Parties:

• Tuesday, Aug. 24, an “Air Show Rehearsal Party” will take place at the Chelsea Hotel’s poolside Cabana Club. The pool bar will be open to the public from 11am to sunset, with food service available from 11am-4:30pm. A minimum food and beverage purchase will apply.

• The Flightline Club offers premium public seating on the beach during the air show featuring alá carte food and beverage. Call 609-813-2121 to purchase tickets, which are also for sale in person at the Boardwalk Hall Box Office (Boardwalk at Mississippi Ave.) or from all Ticketmaster outlets. Cost is $30, or $50 for a VIP package that includes unlimited food. The Flightline Club is located on the beach between Florida and Bellevue avenues.

• The Pier Shops at Caesars Surf Deck (Boardwalk at Arkansas Ave.) is offering an exclusive VIP area for 500 people to see the show for free. Spectators must receive a lanyard for access to the Surf Deck; lanyards will be distributed to the first 500 spectators on a first come, first serve basis and can be picked up beginning Wednesday, Aug. 25, 9am, on the West Loading Dock (facing Trump Plaza). Standing room only (no lawn chairs allowed) to view the air show on the Surf Deck (thepiershopsatcaesars.com).

• Wednesday, Aug. 25, Chelsea’s “Premier Viewing Party” will take place for hotel guests only at Chelsea Prime steakhouse. There will be food from the Cabana Club menu and a special braised smoked pork dish called “The Thunderbolt.”

• The Cabana Club Air Show After Party at the Chelsea will be open to the public from 3-11pm. A DJ will be spinning tunes, and guests can order from the Cabana Club menu (minimum purchases will apply). 

Post Show Concert

• John Lee Hooker Jr. headlines a free “Mardi Gras on the Boardwalk” post air show concert presented by Tony Mart’s with local favorite the Billy Walton Band and special guest Joey Stann from 3:30-6pm at Kennedy Plaza, 2301 Boardwalk between Mississippi and Georgia Aves.

• An air show eve performance featuring Bonerama, a funky New Orleans brass band, will be presented on Tuesday, Aug. 24, at 6pm at Kennedy Plaza. 

2010 Atlantic City Air Show: Thunder Over the Boardwalk
When: Wednesday, Aug. 25, 10:30am-3pm
Where: Above the Atlantic City beach and Boardwalk, 10:30am-3pm
How Much: Free or at special viewing parties for a fee.