More than 200,000 people are expected to attend the last Great State of Maine Air Show Sept. 6 and 7 at the Brunswick Naval Air Station. The largest air show in northern New England will feature the Navy Flight Demonstration Team "The Blue Angels," the U.S. Army Parachute Team "Golden Knights," 14 other aerobatic acts and more than 35 military and civilian aircraft on display.

Guests will also be able to get up close to look at an array of state of the art Army and National Guard vehicles, weapons and hardware, including a football field-sized indoor virtual reality battlefield. With no admission or parking fees, the entire weekend is a showcase of free fun for the whole family.

Other flying acts will include the Air Force's F-15 "Strike Eagle" team, world-champion aerobatic pilot Patty Wagstaff, wing-walker Ashley Battles, an aerial dogfight between two pilots, a hang glider with a handicapped pilot, and performances by a home-based P-3 "Orion and the Blue Angels C-130 "Hercules" transport plane "Fat Albert."

Ground acts will feature Neal Darnell and his jet-powered truck that races an airplane down the runway at speeds approaching 300 mph, and a four-story tall fire-breathing, car-crushing Megasaurus. Also on the ground will be special acts and areas for children, a Community Expo with youth and aviation-related organizations, and over 30 vendor tents with a variety of food, beverages and souvenirs.

The public is encouraged to park off base and ride bicycles to the air show. Bicycles can be locked anywhere along several miles of chain link fence on base.

Parking and admission for both days is "free." Gates open at 8 am, flying begins at 10 am and continues throughout the day. Note: If parking lots are full, cars will be turned away beginning at 1 p.m. However, bicycles and pedestrians will be allowed to continue coming on base.

All-day reserved seating areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis with a purchased ticket (see web site) and there is handicapped parking available. As a result of increased security precautions, guests are subject to screening and bags, purses and other personal items will be searched.

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