Buzzing through the clouds with historic flair and modern acrobatics, the Cleveland National Air Show swooped into Burke Lakefront Airport this weekend, marking its 61st year. As the roar of jet engines fills the skies, attendees are lining up for a generous serving of aerial stunts and gravity-defying performances. If you're in the area, gates have been swinging open at 9 a.m. sharp through Labor Day Monday, with FOX8 News highlighting that crowd favorites like the Thunderbirds and a first-time performance by the Red Bull Air Force helicopter are part of the lineup.
One of the throwback attractions, as reported by Spectrum News 1, is the "Mr. Mulligan" replica, piloted by aviation enthusiast Doug Rozendaal. The aircraft pays homage to its racing legacy from 1935, and Rozendaal, soaring almost half a century, hopes to revive the air show's golden era and inspire a new generation of aviators. Flying is expected from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but beware, no entry is allowed after 3 p.m., and with parking costing $35 plus fees, be sure to plan ahead.
For those looking for high-octane action closer to the ground, the Hot Streak II Jet Truck is there to satisfy your need for speed, challenging aircraft to daring races. And while your neck might be sore from looking up, the ground attractions are offering some respite with interactive displays and kid-friendly activities. As for the bird's eye thrills, Major Laney Schol, a first-year Thunderbirds pilot, will be carving the skies over Cleveland, a performance highlighted by a stunning smoke-on flyover as she arrived Thursday, reported by Cleveland.com.
"Mr. Mulligan was the head of the races in 1935 … so we're here to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Mr. Mulligan, which is, again, I'm flying a replica of that airplane, winning both the Bendix and the Thompson Trophy at the Cleveland National Air Races,” Rozendaal told Spectrum News 1 with palpable nostalgia. Meanwhile, Aaron Fitzgerald is excited "to show off these skills to northeast Ohioans," making his Cleveland Air Show debut with aerobatic prowess. Admission doesn't come free, though, with adults parting with $40 and $20 for kids aged 6-11, but tots under 6 do get in free, as mentioned by FOX8 News.
If the goal of the Thunderbirds, as Major Schol puts it, "is to recruit, retain and inspire," attendees this weekend are in for a soaring dose of motivation. If you're keen on the spectacle but have yet to snag a ticket, make your move quickly. All tickets and parking passes are to be snatched up in advance with no gate sales, a reminder courtesy of Cleveland.com, ensuring your Labor Day weekend is cleared for takeoff, brimming with aerial fanfare.
