Lots to see on the ground and in the sky at Thunder Over Michigan air show this weekend
Attractions at Thunder Over Michigan 2011.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com file photo
Featuring jet teams, world-class civilian performers, rare historical aircraft and demonstrations from the U.S. military, the event is known as one of the best “warbird” shows in the world.
Organizers recently announced the addition of a rare aerial demonstration by the North American Aviation F-100 Super Sabre.
PREVIEW
Thunder Over Michigan
- Who: Sponsored by the Yankee Air Museum.
- What: Annual air show with a variety of special attractions.
- Where: Willow Run Airport.
- When: Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 10-11.
- How much: Tickets are $30 (in advance) and $35 at the gate (under 15, free). Details at www.yankeeairmuseum.org/airshow or 734-485-6666.
"We are known as one of the top air shows in the U.S. for a reason, and that is because we always have something new and unusual for our fans to enjoy,” said Kevin Walsh, air show director.
Proceeds from the event, produced by the Yankee Air Museum, helps support the museum and other local charitable organizations. The museum is currently conducting a special fund-raising drive to attempt to save part of the former Willow Run Bomber Plant and turn it into the museum's new home.
Comments
Lynn Liston
Sun, Aug 11, 2013 : 3:22 a.m.
It was a thrilling show today and I hope that others will take this opportunity to see some rare, historic warbirds from WW II, Korea and Vietnam. The Navy Legacy trio, the 4 Skyraiders, Hueys and many other exciting planes including the F-100 make it all worthwhile. Add in the incredible aerobatics champs and this is a very special and unique show. btw- The BEST view of the aerial performances is from the general admission grassey area to the right, near the announcers' platform. Take your own folding camp chair which is far more comfortable than the grandstand bleachers, or the folding chairs in the tents. General Admission is $35 at the gate; parking is $15 at the gate; kids under 15 are free, and there is lots for kids to do.
reddog801
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 10:36 a.m.
The modern era warplanes are what attract folks to Thunder over Michigan. Sadly there will be no thunder this year because the federal government has stopped all military extra activity. Now if your into old bombers and old airplanes then there will be plenty on hand to see. What this story is not revealing is that they are having a hard time selling tickets because of the sequesture. I will not be paying 35 dollars a ticket to get in to see old airplanes that I've seen many years in the past......this year....Thunder over Michigan will be a dud.
Bear
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 5:10 a.m.
I love seeing the old bombers flying low altitude over my house in A2. Also am a fan of the Mustang P-51, one of the best and fastest prop planes out there!
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 7:42 p.m.
Compared to the price of Wolverine Football tickets, the single-event price is reasonable. I'm a happy camper (and aviation buff): for the first time since she was ten, my daughter - now with her husband - will be going with me to Thunder Over Michigan. Yay!! Perfect day!
Amy Wiseman
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:32 p.m.
Half-price tickets are available on Living Social for those who find the $35 a bit steep.
SuperiorMother
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 7:57 p.m.
Half-price is definitely more palatable than $35. https://www.livingsocial.com/events/cities/853-oakland-county/784998-thunder-over-michigan-air-show
WalkingJoe
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.
I will be there. Kind wish the USAF Thunderbirds were still coming but the Thunder Over Michigan organizers have really made a huge effort to fill in the gap.
Pat
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:09 p.m.
Sorry, for the second year in a row, no Blue Angels, and thanks to the sequester, no Thunderbirds. Not enough star power for the $35 ticket
Arborcomment
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 10:48 p.m.
And considering the proceeds are going to a good cause with a goal of preserving an important local portion of the arsenal of democracy from the wrecking ball...
SuperiorMother
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.
You can get tickets for half price through LivingSocial.com (similar to Groupon). https://www.livingsocial.com/events/cities/853-oakland-county/784998-thunder-over-michigan-air-show (I don't get anything from posting the link, just wanted to share the good deal that I heard about.)
Top Cat
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 4:28 p.m.
Museum Members get a free ticket.
WalkingJoe
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 3:19 p.m.
Gee Pat, my ticket was only $25.
Top Cat
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Anyone who has never seen Michael Goulian or Sean Tucker perform is in for a real treat. The weather will be perfect. The Me-262 was a late scratch and will not be there.
Bear
Fri, Aug 9, 2013 : 5:08 a.m.
Bummer on the Me262! That is something I'd really like to see!
Tru2Blu76
Thu, Aug 8, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.
Agreed; Thunder Over Michigan is always a treat. But where did you hear about the Me-262 not being there?