Arctic Thunder Air Show taxis for weekend takeoff

ANCHORAGE — Family fun takes flight for free at the Arctic Thunder Air Show Saturday and Sunday at Joint Base Elmendorf/Richardson from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The finest machines of flight that the military has, as well as other impressive aircraft, will be on display for the excitement of aviation fans of all ages.

“There’s all kinds of things for families to see and do,” said Bill Kontess, president of the Alaska Air Show Association. “Each pilot will be on hand so kids can learn about the aircraft.”

The Arctic Thunder air show is the largest two-day air event in Alaska, drawing some 90,000 people each year. This year, the show features more aircraft than ever, including 10 World War II-era aircraft.

Three hangars full of activities will be available to show-goers. A flight simulator, recruiters, weapons display, entertainment, combat demos and the 9th Army Band will provide a show on the ground.

All-star fliers such as the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team and F-22 Raptor highlights the show as the newest Air Force fighter aircraft.

“The F-22 demonstration is always pretty thrilling. It does incredible maneuvers that normal airplanes wouldn’t be able to make. The premier jet team, the Thunderbirds, put on a wonderful show,” Kontess said.

Spectators will also get a history lesson when the warbirds take flight. Planes from as early as 1935 will take to the open air, as well as an authentic Japanese Zero.

Along with the air show and events in the hangars, scholarships to space camp will also be given away. Saturday and Sunday, two youths with interest in aeronautics and aviation will be drawn to go to space camp in Kenai, and one to a camp in Huntsville, Ala.

The full strength of the JBER base will be on display, ranging from aircraft to battle capabilities.

“They will recreate scenarios of battle inserting Army soldiers with the Air Force flying ahead. It will show a pace of how a battle could go,” Kontess said.

The air show has received support from the association since the mid-1990s, but Kontess says that there is evidence of shows on base as early as the 1950s.

Gates open at 9 a.m. and the Thunderbirds take off at 3 p.m.

Contact Tim Rockey at 352-2252 or tim.rockey@gmail.com. Follow @trockeynews on Twitter.