Westmoreland County Air Show Takes Flight This Weekend

LATROBE (KDKA) -- Many eyes will be on the sky over Latrobe this weekend for the Westmoreland County Air Show.

Vintage airplanes and air acrobatics will delight the thousands of people expected to attend.

The Westmoreland County Air Show went on a hiatus of sorts until last year. This year though, it's back and better than ever.

Preparations are well underway for what's expected to be one of the biggest air shows at the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.

"This is a full-blown air show; this is as big as it gets for our region," said Gabe Monzo, the airport director.

"This'll be great," said Warren Schultz, of David Schultz Airshows. "The Blues haven't been here since I think '98; so, we're expecting a big crowd."

The show returned last year after taking a break from their last show back in 2001, but absent were the Blue Angels.

With the Blues back in town this year, tens of thousands are expected in Latrobe.

'We had the show last year here and I think there was about 30,000, and we didn't have a jet team; so with the Blues, they should be a big draw," said Schultz.

But of course, everyone with their eyes to the sky wants the best view; so, the airport has opened up lawn seating for this year's show.

"Everybody's been harping, they want an air show; so, we're giving them an air show," said Schultz.

You may see a little activity up in the air on Friday; some of the crews will be practicing. But the real show starts Saturday morning.

The show runs from June 23 to 24. The gates open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at 11 a.m. Tickets at the gate are $12 for adults, but children 12 and under get in for free.

For more information, visit the links below:

• Westmoreland County Air Show 2012 (PDF)
• Arnold Palmer Regional Airport
• Schedule of Events
• Parking Map (PDF)

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