Record breaking attendance at the 2016 Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach
453,000 people arrived over Memorial Day weekend to watch the biggest lineup since the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach began 13 years ago
BETHPAGE, NY (June 23, 2016) — Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are very pleased to announce that 2016 was a record breaking year for attendance at the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach. Over 453,000 people attended over the three-day period, Friday, May 27 through Sunday, May 29.
For the first time, three jet teams performed at the 2016 Bethpage Air Show including show headliners, the legendary United States Navy Blue Angels, the Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, and the Breitling Jet Team. 2016 marked the 70th anniversary season for the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, and their seventh performance at the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach.
“Not only was 2016 a record breaking year for attendance for the Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach – it was also our biggest lineup of performers ever,” said George Gorman, Deputy Regional Director, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historical Preservation. “The combination of great weather and a great show resulted in an amazingly successful kick off to summer at Jones Beach. We thank all of our performers and visitors for continuing to make this show a can’t-miss event every year.”
This year’s show also brought the new United States Air Force F-35 Lightning II, the world’s most advanced multi-role fighter aircraft, for the first time with its Heritage Flight performance. The F-35 Heritage Flight performance featured the F-35 flying alongside WWII, Korean and Vietnam-era aircraft in a dynamic display of our nation’s air power history. The East Coast got to experience the full capability of the F-35 this January when it flew over at a top speed of 1,200 mph, setting off a sonic boom!
Other star-studded performers at this year’s Bethpage Air Show included the United States Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, performing in their 12th Bethpage Air Show; legendary air show pilot Sean D. Tucker, performing in his custom-built Oracle Challenger II biplane; extraordinary aerobatic pilot Matt Chapman; the John Klatt Airshows – Jack Links’ Screamin’ Sasquatch Jet Waco Aerobatic Team; the world-famous GEICO Skytypers and their flight squadron of six vintage WWII aircraft; the American Airpower Museum Warbirds; Long Island’s own David Windmiller; the Air Combat Command F-16 Viper Demonstration Team, and the SUNY Farmingdale State College Flying Rams.
Last year’s 12th annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones beach brought over 325,000 fans to Jones Beach when the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds performed during the Memorial Day Weekend event to help share the story of our nation’s military.
“This year’s show was truly spectacular. With unseasonably warm temperatures and a great lineup of performers, including the United States Navy Blue Angels, it’s no surprise that Long Island came out in droves,” said Linda Armyn, Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.
The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach was sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, Newsday,
WABC-TV Channel 7, Connoisseur Media Long Island and Natural Heritage Trust.
About Bethpage Federal Credit Union
Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a premier community financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees and the communities it serves for the past 80 years. Bethpage is the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 14th largest in the nation.
As a not-for-profit credit union, Bethpage is committed to its members and the communities it serves. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of great rates and low fees, the Bethpage Cares program invests heavily in local, high-impact community programs that serve with an eye towards creating better communities through diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.
Named a Forbes “Best Place to Bank in New York,” the fifth “Best Company to Work for in New York State” by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management and a Glass Door Top Place to work for Small & Midsize companies in the US, Bethpage is a federally chartered credit union, available to people nationwide who open a $5 dollar membership account. Bethpage offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. Bethpage is a part of the national CO-OP network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. As a financial cooperative, Bethpage offers the best-in market rates, lowest fees and world-class service, plus a full menu of personal and commercial financial services. For more information on Bethpage’s robust portfolio of banking, borrowing, and investment services, visit www.lovebethpage.com or call 1-800- 628-7070.
