Photo: US Navy Blue Angels
Bethpage, NY – April 25, 2024 – Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, are pleased to announce the final performer line-up for the much-anticipated 20th Anniversary Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, taking place on Saturday, May 25, 2024, and Sunday, May 26, 2024, from 10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
The United States Navy Blue Angels, which headlined the very first Bethpage Air Show back in 2004, will return to Long Island to headline the 20th Anniversary show. This will be the Blue Angels’ 10th headliner performance for what has grown into one of the most respected air shows in the country.
“The Bethpage Air Show symbolizes the credit union’s roots and is a testament to Long Island’s history in aviation. It is a true collaboration and we are honored to continue to support and help produce this extraordinary show,” said Linda Armyn, President and CEO, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
In 2004, New York State Parks invited Bethpage to be the title sponsor of the show, recognizing the credit union was founded by employees of Grumman Aerospace. The Blue Angels also have strong ties to Long Island, flying Grumman Hellcats, built on Long Island for the team’s 1946 inaugural flight. The team then went on to fly other Grumman aircraft including the Bearcat, Cougar, and Tiger, one of which, now proudly hangs at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, Long Island.
Military performers joining the Blue Angels include the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the A-10C Thunderbolt II Demo Team, and the U.S. Navy F-35C Demo Team. Civilian performers Mike Goulian, North America’s most decorated aerobatic pilot; the world-famous Skytypers; Warbird Thunder Airshows; Farmingdale State College Flying Rams; Long Island’s own David Windmiller and the American Airpower Museum Warbirds.
“2024 is a very special year for us. Not only are we celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Bethpage Air Show, but we are also celebrating the 95th anniversary of Jones Beach State Park and the 100th anniversary of New York State Parks and the Long Island State Park Commission,” said George Gorman, Regional Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “Spectators are in for a real treat!”
To help celebrate the 20th anniversary show, organizers are giving away 30,000 commemorative U.S. Navy Blue Angels signed posters to fans attending the practice show on Friday, May 24, and the weekend show on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. The show will also feature other celebratory elements throughout the holiday weekend including a special, 15 ft x 20ft, anniversary cake weighing in at 1000 pounds, which fans will be able to enjoy on Friday, following an 11:00 am Jones Beach Press Conference.
“The show brings park visitors together to pay tribute to our nation’s great military and the pilots who serve and protect Americans, as well as our honored veterans. I would like to thank our sponsors, our volunteers as well as our Federal, State and local agencies for helping the show become a treasured Long Island tradition,” continued Gorman.
The Bethpage Air Show is free to the public, but the standard $10.00 vehicle use fee will be collected each day upon entry to the State Park. For 2024 NYS Empire Pass Card holders, there is no vehicle use fee charge.
For up-to-date information about this year’s show, please visit www.bethpageairshow.com or https://www.facebook.com/BethpageAirShow/, or contact the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Regional Office, Recreation Department at 631/321-3510.
