TRAVERSE CITY, MI. – Coast Guard Air Station Traverse City will host an ‘Open Ramp’ event on Friday, from 6-8 p.m., in support of the 2016 National Cherry Festival Airshow.
Admission is free and open to the public.
Parking opens at 5 p.m.
The air station is opening its gates and allowing up-close access to the National Cherry Festival Airshow performers, including the U.S. Navy Blue Angels F/A-18s and their C-130 ‘Fat Albert,’ a Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry Patrol Aircraft, the Royal Canadian Air Force CF-18 Demonstration Team, Copeland, Goulian and Redline aerobatic aircraft, and Air Station Traverse City’s own MH-65D Dolphin helicopter.
Numerous other performers, military and civil organizations will be on site to include Giving Wings, Northwestern Michigan College aircraft and drones, North Flight, and the Air National Guard.
Rain or shine, meet the real-life heroes of the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Navy, and Cherry Capital Airport’s wildlife control canine ‘Piper’.
Come get a close-up look at their aircraft and learn firsthand what they do each and every day. Of special note this year, the Blue Angel pilots and crew will be available to mingle during the event.
Government issued photo IDs will be required for admittance. All persons, vehicles and bags will be subject to search. No weapons or animals will be allowed on base, with the exception of service animals. In an effort to reduce security wait times, bringing bags on base is discouraged. Only purses, diaper bags and small personal bags will be allowed.
Designated parking will be provided at the air station located at 1175 Airport Access Road in Traverse City. Carpooling is highly encouraged, as available space is limited. No parking will be allowed on Airport Access Road or the grassy areas on either side.
This event is open to the general public and is handicap accessible.
For more information on this event, please contact the Public Affairs Officer at Air Station Traverse City, Lt. Katherine Pelkey at 231-922-8273. During non-business hours, please contact the duty desk at 231-922-8212.