For 9th Year, Millions Expected For Nat'l Salute to US Military

One of the world's largest spectator events, the annual McDonald's Air & Sea Show, is set to take place on May 3-4 in South Florida. Free to the public, the annual show attracts more than four million people. This two-day extravaganza -- also taking full advantage of the 100th anniversary of manned flight hullabaloo-- features top military and civilian air, sea and entertainment performances along four miles of Fort Lauderdale's oceanfront.

This world-class event is part of a 'National Salute to the US Military,' and is the kickoff for National Military Appreciation Month (observed each May). The National Salute also includes Fleet Week USA, which brings Navy ships and hundreds of sailors to Fort Lauderdale from April 28 to May 2.

The week's big draw is the huge Air & Sea Show--a two-day event with non-stop performances and festivities. The public pays no admission fee to see the show, thanks to corporate support from 40 sponsors.

Two of the world's most popular jet demonstration teams - the US Air Force Thunderbirds and the Canadian Forces Snowbirds - highlight the list of spectacular military and civilian performances slated.

The Thunderbirds will execute high-speed maneuvers just inches apart during their 50th anniversary. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will perform an aerial exhibition in nine CT-114 Tutors. Navy ships from Fleet Week USA will serve as a breathtaking backdrop for many more world-class military and civilian performances.

Among other favorites - demonstrations and flybys by the U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber, U.S. Air Force F-117 Stealth Fighter, US Marine Corps Harrier jet, and the US Army Golden Knights elite parachute demonstration team. All five branches of the US military are scheduled to participate.

Civilian air acts will include Kermit Weeks' Fantasy of Flight vintage aircraft, Team Oracle's Sean Tucker in his specially modified Pitts aerobatics airplane, 2002 national aerobatics champion Kirby Chambliss in his Edge 540, Ian Groom's Dark Dog High Energy Precision Aerobatics Act, Freddie Cabanas' Aerobatics Act, Aerial Sign's Salute to Old Glory, and the Red Baron Pizza Stearman Squadron.

A Display Village will have something for everyone at the intersection of A-1-A and Sunrise Boulevard in the heart of Fort Lauderdale beach. Nearby Galleria Mall will showcase exciting military displays inside and out during the show and the days leading up to it.

The McDonald's Air & Sea Show, presented by WPLG Channel 10, is produced by Pro Series, Inc., an event production firm that created the show and brought it to Fort Lauderdale in 1995.

The show has received significant endorsements from federal, state and local agencies, as well as business and civic organizations.

Air and sea activities will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The Display Village and Concessions are open both days from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday evening entertainment runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Best viewing areas for the show are between Oakland Park Boulevard and Las Olas Boulevard.

FMI: www.airseashow.com