Bethpage Air Show facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bethpage Air Show |
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The Canadian Forces Snowbirds perform at the 2009 airshow
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| Genre | Free beach display air show |
| Dates | Memorial Day Weekend |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Venue | Republic Airport Long Island MacArthur Airport Francis S. Gabreski Airport |
| Location(s) | Jones Beach State Park Wantagh, New York |
| Coordinates | 40°36′51″N 73°32′10″W / 40.61417°N 73.53611°W |
| Country | United States |
| Attendance | 403,000 (2006) |
| Activity | aerobatic displays |
| Website | bethpageairshow.com |
The Bethpage Air Show is an exciting annual event held every May during the Memorial Day weekend. It takes place high above the beautiful Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh, New York, which is on Long Island. This amazing air show is a free event where you can watch incredible planes and skilled pilots perform daring stunts and flyovers right over the ocean!
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What is the Bethpage Air Show?
The Bethpage Air Show is one of America's biggest and most popular air shows. It brings together millions of people to watch military and civilian pilots show off their incredible flying skills. The show happens every year, making it a special tradition for many families. It's a chance to see powerful aircraft up close and learn about aviation.
Who Performs at the Air Show?
The main stars of the Bethpage Air Show are usually famous military flight teams. These include the United States Navy Blue Angels or the United States Air Force Thunderbirds. These teams are made up of highly trained pilots who fly their jets in amazing formations and perform thrilling aerobatic moves. It's like watching a ballet in the sky!
The Blue Angels and Thunderbirds
The Blue Angels fly F/A-18 Super Hornet jets, while the Thunderbirds fly F-16 Fighting Falcon jets. Both teams perform breathtaking maneuvers, flying very close to each other at high speeds. They show off the skill of military pilots and the power of modern aircraft. All branches of the United States military are often represented at the show, showcasing different types of planes and helicopters.
A Look at Past Shows
The air show has been a favorite event for many years. In 2006, for example, over 400,000 people came to watch the performances! However, sometimes things can change. In 2013, neither the Blue Angels nor the Thunderbirds could perform. This was due to changes in the military budget at the time. But don't worry, the Blue Angels returned for the 2014 show, much to the delight of the crowd!
When the Show Couldn't Happen
Sadly, the 2020 Bethpage Air Show had to be cancelled. This happened because of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Many large events around the world were cancelled that year to help keep people safe and healthy. Even though it was disappointing, everyone understood that safety was the most important thing.
