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Large crowds expected for Thunderbirds shows
VIENNA — Township residents, particularly those who live near the Youngstown Air Reserve Station, are advised to prepare for large crowds and plenty of traffic when the Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron, the Thunderbirds, puts on its show Aug. 8 and 9.
Demand for the free tickets for the Youngstown Air Reserve Station Air Show and Open House, dubbed Thunder Over the Valley, has been overwhelming.
Air Force officials told people at Monday’s Vienna Township Neighborhood Watch meeting that at least 40,000 people and 11,000 to 15,000 cars are expected to crowd into the township to get to the air base on King-Graves Road on each of the show dates. Another 2,000 to 3,000 tickets are expected to be available at 9 a.m. July 27 by going to the show Web sites: youngstownairshow.com or thunderoverthevalley.com.
Portions of several roads around the air station will be closed during the show weekend, some as early as Aug. 7 when the Thunderbirds and other demonstration teams practice, said Lt. Col. Mark Ables, event organizer.
“You will know there is an air show” in town, said Capt. Ryan Robin, who is in charge of show security.
Ables thanked the residents in advance for putting up with the “pain and suffering” (traffic congestion and lots of people) that go along with an air show.
He said the Air Force views the show as a “well-deserved reward to the area that has supported the Air Reserve Station so well over the years. We would appreciate your continued moral support,” Ables said.
In addition to the Thunderbirds, which fly the Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jet, the Army’s Golden Knights Parachute Team will perform, and there will be live entertainment, a jet truck, static displays and food vendors.
Robin said everybody coming onto the air base for the show will be screened. He said no weapons, or things that could be used as weapons, will be permitted. People with banned items will be given the option of taking them back to their vehicles or placing them in a box at the site and not being able to get them back.
He said no food or drink, except water in clear bottles, will be permitted and no large coolers. However, he said small coolers with supplies for infants will be allowed. Also, Robin said, people can bring folding or collapsible chairs.
Activities on Aug. 8 and 9 will begin at 9 a.m., but the shows will not start until noon, Ables said.
Chief Master Sgt. David Kane, a Vienna resident, is the liaison between the township and the air station for parking, which officials expect could cause much of the traffic congestion.
There are five parking areas designated by number and color on show tickets, four of which are located around the air base. The fifth lot is at the Trumbull County Fairgrounds. A shuttle will transport people to and from the fairgrounds and the air base at no charge, officials said.
Traffic congestion is likely during the air show. People can help by being patient and following directions to their parking lots, which are on the show Web site, and by placing their tickets on their dash so parking lot attendants can easily see them, Kane said.
Officials said a large number of people likely will view the show from outside the base. That is not a problem as long as cars and people are on private property. However, no parking will be permitted along roadsides, officials said.
Roads that will be closed Aug. 7 from 1 to 6 p.m. are: King Graves between state Routes 193 and 11; and Ridge Road between Warren Sharon Road and King Graves. Roads closed Aug. 8 and 9 are: King Graves between state Routes 193 11; Ridge Road between Warren Sharon Road and King Graves; and Warren Sharon Road between Ridge Road and state Route 193. State Route 193 will remain open during the show.
alcorn@vindy.com
VIENNA AIR SHOW | Ticket Information
Some 40,000 people and 11,000 to 15,000 vehicles are expected to crowd into Vienna Township for Thunder Over the Valley, the Youngstown Air Reserve Station Air Show and Open House on Aug. 8 and 9, featuring the Air Force flying demonstration team, the Thunderbirds.
Another 2,000 to 3,000 tickets are expected to be available beginning at 9 a.m. July 27 by going to the show Web sites: youngstownairshow.com or thunderoverthevalley.com