North East air shows

[Gerry]

I would like some suggestions on what military air show is the best to see in or near the Northeast. I will go as far as Ohio if it is worth the drive. Hopefully some of you plane buffs can point me in the right direction.
Thanks,

[Nickathome]

If you are into WWII aircraft, there is an airshow at the Reading Pa airport. I think its called Carl Spaatz field, or Reading regional, something like that. They put on what's called WWII weekend, like the first weekend in June each year. They have a WWII encampment, many military trucks(more than you'll see at the Aberdeen MV show), and many WWII aircraft. They usually have a B-17 there giving rides, and many planes to take tours of. I may just fly up there this year to see the show.

BTW - They are restoring a P-61 Black Widow aircraft there as well. Supposedly will be the only flying example of a P-61 when its completed. I think they have a couple more years to go on it before it'll fly though. PLus they sometimes have military and other celebrities there. I saw and got a photo with R.Lee Ermey of Mail Call/Full Metal Jacket fame there one year. And also saw two of the real guys from Band of Brothers as well. Its a good show that goes for three days.

[WarrenD]

Quonsett Point, RI usually has a very good show each year. Last year's was great with both the Blue Angels and the Snowbirds.
I think this year will see a show at Westfield ANG in MA.
There will be a Corsair gathering in Stratford, CT memorial Day weekend but they are still organizing the event. Not really an airshow, but more flying demonstrations.
Binghampton, NY has an ok show.
Those are some of the closer ones, it's a tad early for them to establish dates yet, that info usually comes out next month (Feb).

[Av8r]

The airshow at Geneseo, NY is a rather interesting show. I think it's July 9-11 this year. It's a warbird show and the thing that makes it somewhat unusual is that it is a grass surfaced runway. Anything from B-17s on down operating off of a rural grass runway. Fantastic setting and atmosphere. In fact the photo in my avatar is me flying a P-47 over Geneseo about 12 years ago. Can't say for sure about MVs present but there is usually a decent representation at these type of events.

I'll also second Nick's recommendation for Reading, PA. I haven't attended but I know of it's reputation as an outstanding event mixing all the things that make military machine enthusiasts ecstatic.

[Gerry]

Thanks Guys,
Wes Would love to here what you have to say.

[cuz]

I was born and raised in South Jersey but spent my entire military career in the midwest and SEA then my retired time has been in Wisconsin (wife's home town!)

So for big shows worth the drive the biggest air show in this hemisphere every year is Oshkosh, WI in July for a full week. There is also a nice WWII theme show every summer in Iowa.

We also have two big annual MV rallies here in Wisconsin. Iola in August and Spooner MVPG show weekend in September which includes WWII vintage Aircraft. At that show we swim amphibs, run tanks, do several convoys, fly airplanes and eat good, lots of good brew, campfires and just plain fun.

[Lifer]

If you like open cockpit stuff, there is the annual Stearman fly-in in Galesburg, Illinois. It's a week-long event and always ends on Memorial Day.

[Gerry]

Thanks everyone for all the ideas

[WarrenD]

So far, I've found that the Thunderbirds are scheduled for this year at both Quonset and Westfield. Nearest Blue Angel appearance is Jones Beach, NY (on the Island) Memorial Day weekend, but I'll be at Sikorski for the Corsairs.
If you want more modern stuff, Quonset is the show. I have some pics at: www.pbase.com/baywing and go to the Airshow galleries.
Quonset is the end of June, Westfield is in Aug, maybe the 7-8?