Here's what you need to know for the air show

Published: July 26, 2012 

Pilot Jason Somes lands a Mitsubishi A6M3-22 Zero from the "Wings of Freedom" warbird collection at Merrill Field Airport after a fly-by on Wednesday evening, July 25, 2012. The Zero donated by the Alaska Air Show Association will fly along side a P-51B Mustang and a B-25D Mitchell bomber during the Arctic Thunder open house this weekend, July 28 & 29, at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson.

BILL ROTH / Anchorage Daily NewsBuy Photo

Arctic Thunder, Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s open house and air show, is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Gates open at 9 a.m., and the flying starts at 10 a.m. The Air Force Thunderbirds, F-22 Demonstration Team and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Demonstration Team are the headliners at this year’s show.

The general public can enter JBER through the Boniface and Richardson gates. Handicap parking will be available through the Boniface gate. Drivers must have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and registration available for inspection while on JBER.

To avoid traffic congestion and decrease wait times, visitors are encouraged to carpool. Vehicles larger than three-quarter ton, including RVs, must use the Richardson gate for parking. Vehicles with trailers will not be allowed into open house parking lots. Bicyclists can enter JBER through the Boniface gate and secure bicycles in the general public parking area.

WHAT TO BRING: binoculars, cash, sunglasses, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, cameras, portable chairs and ear plugs.

WHAT TO LEAVE HOME: coolers, loose ice, alcoholic beverages, glass beverage containers, cooking equipment, large backpacks or bags more than 20 inches long and 14 inches wide, helium balloons, pets, weapons, knives with a blade longer than 3 inches, illegal drugs or spice, firearms, tents or awnings, bikes, roller blades, scooters or skateboards. Anyone possessing one of these items will be turned away at the flightline entrance.

MORE INFORMATION: Get more information and watch videos of some of the demo teams at alaskaairshow.org and www.jber.af.mil/arcticthunder.

The schedule for Saturday and Sunday

10 a.m. — U.S. Army Golden Knights

10:30 a.m. — Third Wing fly-by

10:52 a.m.— Skip Stewart aerobatics

11:08 a.m. — Warbirds

11:34 a.m. — C-130 Airdrop

11:54 a.m. to 12:14 p.m. — Intermission

12:15 p.m. — Oregon Aero Sky Dancer

12:28 p.m. — B-52 fly-by

12:44 p.m. — Gary Ward aerobatics

1 p.m. — Warbirds

1:21 p.m. — Marcus Paine aerobatics

1:40 p.m. — Alaska Joint Force demonstration

2:16 p.m. — Runway dweep

2:34 p.m. — F-22 Demonstration Team

3:05 p.m. — U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

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