The Gary/Chicago International Airport and the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority are partnering with the city of Gary to present the Gary Air Show this weekend.
“We are elated to stage aviation performers and other acts for this year’s event and are really excited to see the event continue to grow each and every year,” said Dan Vicari, executive director of GCIA, in a press release. “We are proud to serve as a partner in putting on the air show, and we look forward to playing a critical role for years to come in this annual event.”
Performers this year will include the U.S. Army Golden Knights, Warbird Thunder, Trojan Phlyers, Randy W. Ball, Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman Aerosports by Red Bull, Ed Hamill Folds of Honor Biplane and the Bob Richards Machaira Muscle Biplane.
Marquette Park, at 6918 Oak Ave., will serve as the primary viewing area and offer plenty of food options, vendors and activities at the beach. The partners are expecting visitors and residents alike.
“The Gary Air Show is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors from across Northwest Indiana to experience a world-class aviation event while enjoying a fun-filled, family-friendly weekend at Marquette Park,” said Eddie Melton, mayor of the city of Gary. “This event also provides a valuable platform for our local businesses and community to showcase the great hospitality and amenities Gary has to offer.”
Vendors, according to the SSCVA's website, will include:
- 18th Street Brewery – beer garden
- Ben's Soft Pretzels – jumbo soft pretzels, dipping sauces
- Caribbean Roots, LLC – jerk empanadas, chimi jerk, walking chimis
- Crown Creamery – hard scoop ice cream in cups and cones
- Izzy's – panini, Italian ice, cream sodas, lattes, espresso
- Kona Ice of Hammond – shaved ice
- Polly Ann Cakes, LLC – bundt cakes, ooy gooy bars, cake shake, fried turkey drumettes, kale apple salad, cheese fritter
- The Big Weiner – Chicago style dogs, Polish, chili cheese dogs, gyros, Italian beef, cheddar smashburger, steak nachos, walking taco
- The Cheese Food Truck – grilled cheese
- Tocayo's Tacos – tacos, burritos, nachos, torta, birria, elotes, guac, queso
- Karma Cigars – cigars
- Lights of Fun – light up toys
- Charter School of the Dunes – school supplies
- Dana Allen – decorative glass, crystals, jewelry
- Jessica Patterson – crock charms, slippers, slides
- Uniquely Anjie – toys, cups, dog treats, jewelry
- T Mobile – phones
- 1 Moore Hustle – bucket hats, shirts, keychains
- J & M Excursions – kayak and pedal boat rentals for Miller Lagoon
The weekend's shows will take place at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Aug. 17 and 18.
“Events like the Gary Air Show demonstrate a tremendous opportunity for the community to come together and view an exhilarating aerial experience, and we could not be more pleased with the responses we have received thus far,” said Phil Taillon, president and CEO of the SSCVA. “We are excited to see the performers and visitors come to Gary and witness this great weekend of fun, food and entertainment.”
Learn more about parking fees, performers and rules here.
(Photo provided by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority)
