LANCASTER – Thousands of aviation fans will flock to Lancaster this weekend for an air show, headlined by the famed U.S. Navy Blue Angels.
“We’ve prepared for 100,000 with parking and food. We anticipate 70,000 between the two days, but we’re hoping for more,” said Los Angeles County Air Show president J.D. Kennedy.
The inaugural Los Angeles County Air Show will take place Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22, at the William J. Fox Airfield, located at 4555 West Avenue G in Lancaster. Airshow gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. each day of the two-day show.
The headlining act will be the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, in the first air show of their 2014 season.
“It’s been a long wait for us to be back, but we know that our fans are very excited to see us,” said Lt. j.g. Amber Lynn Daniel, at a welcome reception in Palmdale Wednesday night. “We’re just really looking forward to putting on an exciting, safe demonstration; and we hope that everyone comes out and sees us do what we do best, which is put on spectacular air shows.”
The Blue Angels demonstrate the precision taught to all naval aviators while flying less than 36 inches apart in the four-plane diamond, echelon and six-plane delta formations, while the opposing solos demonstrate the power and maneuverability of the Navy’s elite strike fighter, the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet. A special performance by their Lockheed C-130 support aircraft, affectionately known as ‘Fat Albert’, will also be part of the show.
Other performers include:
- Red Bull Air Force – Including Chuck Aaron in his aerobatic helicopter, Kirby Chambliss flying gravity-defying aerobatics in his Edge 540, and the Red Bull Wing Suit Flyers.
- Greg Colyer – The Ace Maker featuring the iconic Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star.
- Bill Braack – Smoke N’ Thunder Jet Car, racing close to 400 mph.
- Heritage Flight – P-51 Mustang and F-86 Sabre Jet.
- Lockheed Martin P-38 Lightning Aerobatic Demonstration.
- Korean War Demonstration – featuring a dogfight between an F-86 Sabre Jet and a Mig 15.
- Northrop N9MB Flying Wing flyovers.
- And much more!
View the sequence of events here, and more information on each of the performers here.
Throughout the flight line, spectators will be able to explore static aircraft displays, interact with pilots and crewmembers, and experience interactive attractions and educational exhibits designed to promote Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
“We designed the inaugural event to highlight airplanes and aircraft that were actually built and manufactured here in the Antelope Valley, from World War II on, so we’ve got a great lineup that will be displayed on Friday and Saturday,” Kennedy said. View the latest listing of static aircraft scheduled for display here.
“We haven’t had an air show since Edwards had to close theirs down in 2009, and we’ve been missing it,” Kennedy continued. “It’s the return of an air show that can really highlight the Antelope Valley and its rich history in aerospace.”
How to attend
General admission ticket prices for the Los Angeles County Air Show range from $10 to $20 online, and $25 at the gate. A Family Four Pack, including two adult and two child tickets, plus parking, is $50 and can only be purchased online. Only cash will be accepted for parking, or you may purchase parking vouchers online. The fee for each vehicle is $10 and does not include exit and re-entry.
To purchase tickets or parking vouchers online, or to obtain a list of locations where tickets can be purchased in person, visit http://www.lacountyairshow.com/purchase-tickets/.
For more information on the inaugural Los Angeles County Air Show, visit http://www.lacountyairshow.com/. Visit the event’s Facebook page here, for up to the minute details on the Los Angeles County Air Show.
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E.G. says
Maybe if it was easier to find out about AN AIR SHOW GOING ON more people would show up, how is it I found out about it SUNDAY? Oh well, when your busy you miss out , was this not advertised at all/??? I would’ve been ‘there’ and brought 10 others with me, f* it oh well….
Lots Came.... says
I don’t know E.G. Over 120,000+ people managed to figure out that the air show was going to happen. One of the first clues was the Blue Angels out practicing above our fair community happily disrupting business! But don’t despair! I hear that JD Kennedy, Bob Alvis, and crew are already working on fixing what was broken and improving the already good. In fact, I think they are looking for a few good men (women, and children) to help out next year.
The men I mentioned above love this Valley’s history, and in one weekend, they became part of it. This weekend event is one that all residents of Northern LA County and Southern Kern County can claim as a true historical occurrence that they had the privilege to witness. I see many good things springing from this event. Once again, kudos to visionaries like Bob Alvis and JD Kennedy who saw an air show where nobody else saw anything but an aging air field. You men are a credit to this community. What are you up to next, you troublers of the status quo???? ;-)
Eric says
I heard about it months ago. Family and friends spent the majority of February and March bringing it up and reminding me. I heard about it just about everywhere. Not sure how you didn’t hear about it.
Db says
I too think the price to get into this air show exceeded what I would be willing to pay as well…but that didn’t stop me from going out Friday afternoon and having a great lunch at Azteca with my husband and then stopping along a dirt road on 70th between G and H and watching the Great Blue Angels perform right above us…I actually think our desert seats were even better than the ones that had to pay to get into the air show!….THANK YOU BLUE ANGELS FOR A WONDERFUL SHOW!!
beentheredonethat says
NOT WILLING TO PAY THOSE PRICES!!
Wonderful show…Didn’t deal with any crowds or long waits for the bathrooms..
We just paid $5.00 for parking at the Home Show went to the other side of the “barns” sat and watch the whole show with a few other people that had the same idea…Great view …Plus we all got free tomato plants at the Home show…
Richard says
I’ve been getting a free show since Wednesday. The U.S Navy Blue Angels have been practicing over my house and they are putting on quite a show.
Carol says
Sorry $25 a pop for adults plus parking? A bit too much IMO. Just how many of these groups are already paid for by the taxpayers? Would I love to attend? Yes, but I’m too poor so this disabled lady will be staying home and hoping the sonic booms don’t destroy anything at her home.
mattzweck says
the last 2 days been great watching them practice so awesome this is where the air show should be we have a rich history of aerospace up here my dad work for aerospace company. Before he retired.
sjgranai says
I’d just like to point out that this event is being held on the same weekend as the Home Show at the AV Fair.
The Home Show is FREE and is less than 8 miles from Fox Air Field. Come watch the Blue Angels and other acts for one small $5 parking fee.
Please come support your local businesses that depend on the Home Show.
It is unfortunate that the businesses that have to depend on this Home Show will have to combat the NOISE from the air show to try and make a living.
enjoy says
The Valley is rich in aviation history and I for one am grateful for those who made the effort to bring this show here after it being cancelled at Edwards. I also think it’s great to have more than one option for something to do this weekend. And more than one event to draw visitors to our Valley who will spend money at our local businesses.
cant afford says
would love to see, I just wished they priced it lower or gave a disability/senior discount – I got $36.41 left to my name because its not easy renting a ghetto Palmdale apt on SSI – perhaps someone will post a video on youtube of the event.
David Paul says
Dear can’t afford, any where in northwest Lancaster you can get a pretty good show. We don’t have to leave our house from where we have seen two days of great action, and there are two days left. Even the corner of H and 20th west might be fantastic for you, but I’d get there early.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QR-28V57YHM
William says
Good point, David Paul.
I went to see the Space Shuttle land back in 1990. When it was time, everyone rushed to stand in front of a 4 foot tall chain link fence.
When the Shuttle did land, you almost needed binoculars to see it as it was as far away as the horizon. So, why was everyone standing as close as they could to the fence like they were going to see a parade? It was as stupid as trying to get close to a fence to see an eclipse of the sun.
Is there intelligent life on earth?
cant afford says
thanks for advice! I may just do that. Also, I notice Apollo park is right next door to the show – will the park be open or is it closed for the event?
Adam Chant says
Due to the fact that Apollo park and many of the streets around Fox Airfield are in the direct flight path of the aerial performers they are closed for the duration of the event.
From KMIX pfacebook:
Hey KMIX listeners, Brian Chase here with some info for this weekends LA County Air Show
Street closures from 11am to 5pm daily, Friday through Saturday,
60th Street West, north of Avenue E to Avenue G, will be closed to traffic.
Avenue G will be closed to eastbound traffic crossing 60th Street West; traffic will be deterred to southbound 60th Street West.
All lanes on Avenue F will be closed between 30th Street West and 60th Street West.
42nd Street West and 40th Street West will be closed north of Avenue F.
Avenue H will be closed to westbound traffic between 30th Street West and 60th Street West.
Partial street closures on Avenue E between 30th Street West and 40th Street West for designated event parking area.
Traffic control officers will be in place by 8am on Friday and Saturday, March 21 and 22 for event parking routing.
Traffic west of 60th Street West, travelling eastbound on Avenue G and Avenue H, will be routed eastbound on Avenue H, then north on 30th Street West, and then east on Avenue G to enter parking lots on the north side of Avenue G.
Traffic travelling north on 60th Street West, 50th Street West and 30th Street West to Avenue H will be routed eastbound on Avenue H, then north 30th Street West, and then east on Avenue G to enter parking lots on the north side of Avenue G.
Westbound traffic on Avenue F, Avenue G and Avenue H will be routed to Avenue G once reaching 30th Street West. Three event parking areas will be available on the north side of Avenue G.
Intersection control officers will be present at all major intersections to assist motorists.
chrlrss says
Thanks for the info. Used to live by 25th W & J and got to see everything for free. Now I am at 10th W & K and couldn’t see a single thing all day. Was hoping to go park somewhere w/a camera & try to get some photos.
dbs says
I heard the park will be closed……….
jerry says
park is off limits for anything, I don’t think no one will be allowed
A. Richards says
Leave it to LA County to charge for an airshow, I have been to many all over the country in different states and worked at 5 while working at a city airport and the other 4 while in the Navy….. none of those cost anybody going to it a penny…. But good ol LA County wants money…. and a decent amount to boot!
Jd kennedy says
A Richards- JD Kennedy, LA County Air Show Board President, here. Just wanted to clarify that LA County Air Show, Inc. is a non profit corporation and is not a county entity. Our mission includes supporting STEM and we have plans to offer scholarships for students pursuing careers in aerospace and aviation professions.
It is not LA County charging guests for the show; your ticket purchase will be supporting students in the AV. We did our best to offer the best ticket prices possible while being sure to be able to cover the real costs involved in putting an event of this magnitude on. We hope to see you there.
David Paul says
Jd, This Air Show is no home run, it is a World Series ending grand slam walk off. Thanks my friend, Amazing!
Loved it! says
Dear Jd Kennedy,
We went to the show today, it was wonderful! I hope you’re able to continue the show up here because it is something I enjoyed taking the family to it. It is a great spot with all the aerospace history up here. During the Blue Angels a group of older men in front of us looked like they were 5 years old staring at those planes. It was adorable to see! It’s those moments that make me smile. Keep it up! Thanks again.
Excellent Show says
JD, thanks for the clarification. For an event that was put together in four months, it is unbelievable how well everything went. For those that couldn’t afford to go the event, the Blue Angels put on a show for anyone who wanted to look.
Thanks to everyone for helping put the Antelope Valley on the national radar for something positive, for a change!
3rd Gen AV says
“…your ticket purchase will be supporting students in the AV…”
What about students, families with students, low-income, and the like? This just gives your non-profit more cash to spread around and look like heroes, bestowing the money on those of your (or a committee’s) choosing. I disagree with that.
Great Show says
Thank you JD for all your hard work. It was a spectacular show! We are already looking forward to next year.