Air show takes flight over Summerside

Dozens of planes are flying and performing stunts over Summerside this weekend as part ofthe Atlantic Canada International Air Show.

Organizers are hoping for a big turnout at the gate.

They say they've sold a lot of advance tickets to see the Blue Angels and the Snowbirdsat the show taking place at the Summerside Airport.

Colin Stephenson is executive director for the event.

"We think we've brought a really strong air display here," said Stephenson, "Improved parking, to concessions, to viewingeverything's going to be much better than last year, which was a great show."

"We could easily accommodate 15,000 fans per day this year. We've got the parking and facilities all set up to do that, because we always get a much bigger crowd when you get an act like the Blue Angels attending."

According to its website, the Blue Angelsare the U.S. Navy'sflight demonstration squadron. It was formed in 1946,making it the second oldest formal flying aerobatic teamin the world, after the French Patrouille de Franceformed in 1931.

Officially known as the Royal Canadian Air Force's431 Air Demonstration Squadron, the Snowbirds are Canada's military aerobatics flight demonstration team.

Organizers have brought in RCMP and volunteer officers from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They'll be on the look-out for spectators trying to take in the show for free from outside the grounds.