Gary Air Show lovers will be treated to a third day of excitement in the skies over Lake Michigan at Marquette Park, Aug. 21-23.
Phil Taillon, CEO of the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, said Wednesday a twilight 8 p.m. drone show has been added to the lineup.
“It will be a darker, full experience,” he said. “I believe it has fireworks.”
He hoped the expanded lineup would encourage more visitors to stay longer and book hotel rooms.
This year’s lineup on Saturday and Sunday is headlined by the U.S. Navy’s Rhino Demonstration Team, who showcase the speed, agility and versatility of the carrier-based F-18 Super Hornet, named after its long nose.
The team consists of instructor pilots and weapon systems officers who perform at weekend air shows. The team members serve as Navy instructors during the week.
On Wednesday, the Gary Board of Works authorized spending $50,000 toward air show expenses in partnership with the SSCVA.
In addition, Ellis Dumas, a board member and Mayor Eddie Melton’s chief of staff, said the city is providing in-kind services, including law enforcement, fire and emergency crews, parks and trash removal, and other services. He estimated those costs at about $150,000. “That’s a substantial amount of revenue the city doesn’t receive,” he said.
The SSCVA reported attendance reached 200,000 at last year’s show, which featured the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and the Army’s Golden Knights.
Along with the F-18 Super Hornet, this year’s acts include: Red Line, Misty Blues Parachute Team, Folds of Honor, RJ Gritter, Mig 17 fighter jets, Red Bull Kevin Coleman, Big Red Susan Dacy, Trojan Phlyers, and the Great Lakes Drone Shows.
Vendor applications are still being accepted at airshow@southshorecva.com.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
