Get ready for lift off!
The 17th annual Ocean City Air Show is soaring into town this summer season.
The OC Air Show , a signature event on the Air Dot Show Tour, is slated to host a special international edition from Aug. 24-25, featuring Frecce Tricolori , the renowned Italian Air Force aerobatic team from Rivolto Air Base in Italy.
Here's everything you need to know about this year's ultimate, sky-high event.
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Where can I purchase tickets for the OC Air Show?
Various ticket packages , which went on sale April 3, are available online .
Admission for viewing the OC Air Show as it soars over the resort town's historic Boardwalk is free, but purchased tickets offer admittance to selected special viewing areas.
The show center will be on the beach, with premium viewing available in the Drop Zone. VIP viewing options include the Flight Line Club, VIP Skybox and VIP Penthouse.
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Who will be headlining the OC Air Show?
The 17th annual OC Air Show will be headlined by fan-favorite fighter jets, the F-22 Raptor Demo Team.
The F-22 Raptor, whose twin engines produce more thrust than any other fighter, is the fastest fighter jet in the world today. The F-22 can “Supercruise” at 1.5 times the speed of sound without using fuel consuming afterburner, said the OC Air Show online.
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The Frecce Tricolori, or "Tricolour Arrows," are set to grace the American skies for the first time in over 30 years.
The last sighting of their distinctive red, green and white smoke trails in the United States dates to 1992, said the Air Dot Show Tour in a Dec. 6, 2023, news release. The OC Air Show will be one of only six events nationwide where they will perform during their 2024 tour.
“Ocean City is thrilled to once again host the Ocean City Air Show and welcome the Italian Air Force Frecce Tricolori team and the return of my favorite, the F-22 Raptor,” said Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.
The 2024 lineup will also include both the U.S. Navy E/A-18 Growlers and the Maryland Air National Guard A-10 Warthogs from the 175th Wing.
“We invite everyone to join us for this thrilling display of aviation excellence against the stunning backdrop of our beautiful coastline," said Mayor Meehan. "You won’t want to miss this unforgettable experience!”
Where can I watch the OC Air Show?
Whether you and your family are lounging in a boat on the Assawoman Bay, swimming in the Atlantic Ocean, or tanning on the soft sand, you will have a great view of the 2024 OC Air Show.
The event is also viewable along the historic Boardwalk, where spectators can gather for free. Front row seats can also be purchased between 13th and 17th streets in the designated ticketed beach area, where the show is largely centered.
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The Boardwalk will remain open to pedestrians during the entirety of the event. Security personnel will be present to keep foot traffic flowing. A United States Coast Guard Safety Zone will also be in effect for those who choose to view the air show from the water.
To ensure all guidelines and regulations are being met, U.S. Coast Guard and Fish and Wildlife Commission vessels will be patrolling the perimeter of the safety zone. An interactive Google Map and more information can be found on the Air Show’s website .
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Will there be traffic?
The event draws thousands of spectators to the resort town year after year. Heavy traffic is expected in the downtown area from the Route 50 bridge to the north of 33rd Street each day from about 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Aircrafts will perform practice runs during the week leading up to the event. Times are subject to change. The air show will kick off at 11:30 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the aerial portion of the show running from noon until about 3 p.m.
The Drop Zone Beach will open to the public at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Flight Line Club beach area will open at 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with foot traffic may becoming congested along the Boardwalk.
During these scheduled times, Ocean City will be crowded. Spectators are advised to leave with plenty of time to spare before the show begins, as traffic in and out of the resort town tends to back up during the main portion of the event.
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If you go:
What: OC Air Show
When: Aug. 24-25 from noon to 3 p.m. each day
Where: Centered around 13th to 17th streets on Ocean City, Md., Boardwalk
Cost: Free, but separate ticket packages for special experiences are available online
Info: https://ocairshow.com/
Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com .
This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: OC Air Show 2024: All to know about big event soaring into Ocean City this summer
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