Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Organizers preview 2014 Atlantic City Airshow

An Atlantic City tradition is set to return to the skies this year in full force.

"I think most know in 2013, with the sequestering, we did not have access to government performers at the airshow, that is not the case this year," said Joseph Kelly, President of the Greater Atlantic City Chamber.

The Army's Golden Knights and Air Force's Thunderbirds will headline the event scheduled for Wednesday August 13th.

"We have an estimated attendance this year at over 800,000,” said Kelly. “Its interesting, last year without the military, we had about 400,000."

Organizers hope the event not only showcases the expertise of military aviators, but also the attractiveness of Atlantic City as a resort.

"This is all part of a larger effort that we and our partners at Atlantic City Alliance are doing to create more energy on the boardwalk, more events, great number of reasons to visit and spend money and participate in the renewal of Atlantic City," said John Palmieri, Executive Director of the CRDA.

With nearly a million people expected on the boardwalk and beaches for the show, officials say this will provide a boost to local businesses they normally don't experience in the middle of the week.

"I'm told by boardwalk merchants, it's the best day all summer midweek," said Kelly. "When we had the Thunderbirds here last time, the economic impact was estimated at 42 million, so there's a good economic reason to have the air show."

In addition to the entertainment in the air, this year's show will also run along side the CRDA summer concert series.

"We just want people to come and have a great time and say wow those shows in Atlantic City, I can’t wait to see who's next, who's coming next year, that's what we're trying to do here," said Carmen Marotta of Tony Mart Presents.

The Charlie Daniels Band will perform during a parade on August 11th, and a practice air show will take place on the 12th, all leading up to Thunder Over the Boardwalk on the 13th.


Source Article:  http://www.nbc40.net

NBC40.net

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