MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW) – The Wings Over Myrtle Beach Air Show hasn’t taken off yet, but the organizers say they’re optimistic this weekend will be successful.
Thousands of people will see aerial displays by highly trained pilots at Myrtle Beach International Airport this weekend.
At the final practice Friday, the Blue Angels brushed up on their formations and maneuvers for their performances in the air show.
On the ground, hundreds of fans are already camping out and took in Friday’s practice runs.
“I just gave my dad an 80th birthday present,” said Charles Wilkerson, who came from Charlotte, North Carolina, to watch the air show with his father Jimmie. “Spend some time, check out practice and get here before the crowd.”
Others traveled to see the planes with their children.
“We’re looking forward to seeing all the tricks that they do and seeing how they manipulate through the sky,” said Trixie Morton of Albemarle, North Carolina.
The organizers are expecting tens of thousands of people to take in the first air show in Myrtle Beach since 2004.
“Number one, it’s a destination city,” said John Cowman, who’s the president of JLC AirShow Management. “Number two, it’s a former military base. Right here was the former Myrtle Beach Air Force Base.”
While it’s unclear exactly how many tickets have been sold before the show, Cowman says sales have already exceeded his company’s expectations.
He also says that’s a good sign of having another show next year.
“If it goes well, we’ll meet with the county and the airport, and decide whether to continue, but our plan, even on both sides of the house, is to have an annual air show,” he said.
Those camping say they hope the show becomes a new family tradition.
“There’s a lot of tribute to our veterans and our country and our military,” said Ashley Capps of Surfside Beach. “I’m very much looking forward to that.”
The gates open at 8 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The show officially starts at 11 a.m. Saturday.
You can buy tickets at the airport this weekend or click here to buy them online.
There will also be several road closures and detours in place near the airport this weekend.
For more information, visit the air show’s website.
