Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission

JONES BEACH MEMORIAL DAY AIRSHOW FEATURING AIR FORCE THUNDERBIRDS LAUNCHES SUMMER 2005

Many Civilian/Military Aircraft To Be Stationed at Farmingdale’s American Airpower Museum; Flight Experiences Offered Aboard B-17 and C-47

HAUPPAUGE, NY – (May 26, 2005) – Summer 2005 is expected to get off to a great start with the biggest event of the Memorial Day weekend- the Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show- to kick off the season.
Hosted by the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, the two-day event will feature the United States Air Force Thunderbirds performing a precision demonstration over the shores of Jones Beach in Wantagh, Long Island.

The two-day event will take place Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29, between 10:00am and 3:00pm. There is no entry fee, although the $8.00 vehicle use fee is in effect at the State Park.

In addition to the excitement of the Air Force Thunderbirds highly skilled demonstration, other tentative Air Show performers this year include a B-17 Yankee Lady Bomber; Team Oracle; Department of Defense Parachute Team; S-3 Vikings; 106th Rescue Wing of the NY National Guard; Grumman Avenger; P-51 Mustang paratrooper transport; C-47 Airborne Transport; and additional civilian and Department of Defense aircraft and performances.

On the ground there will be plenty going on as well with several military ground displays and demonstrations planned.

Last year, the Air Show at Jones Beach attracted some 286,000 visitors over the two-day event.

Also Memorial Day weekend, the B-17 Yankee Lady will be based at the American Airpower Museum (AAM) at Republic Airport on New Highway in Farmingdale Friday and Monday. Half-hour flight experiences are available aboard this magnificently restored Flying Fortress, and aboard a C-47 transport plane, by contacting the AAM. Many of the planes appearing at the Jones Beach Air Show will be stationed at the AAM.

Other exciting demonstrations and activities are planned at the AAM for the entire weekend.  The Thunderbirds will be based out of JFK International Airport.
The Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission (LICVB&SC) was established in 1979 as a marketing arm for the destination’s nearly $5 billion travel and tourism industry. Based on Long Island in Hauppauge, NY, the LICVB&SC contributes to the economic development and quality of life on Long Island by promoting Long Island as a world-class destination and by attracting individuals, tours, meetings and conventions, trade shows, sporting events, related activities and business to Long Island. For more information about Long Island, please contact the Long Island Convention & Visitors Bureau and Sports Commission by calling 1-877-FUN-ON-LI or visit the web site at http://www.funonli.com.