Bethpage Air Show wows masses on Sunday after storms washed out Saturday's event
JONES BEACH, N.Y. -- The annual Bethpage Air Show took off Sunday after severe weather forced organizers to cancel Saturday's event at Jones Beach.
It has been a difficult few years for the air show, weather-wise, but Sunday was picture-perfect, CBS2's Christina Fan reported.
Storms on Saturday delayed and ultimately canceled the performances. First, fog was a factor. Then, heavy rain and lightning.
The iconic Long Island event draws as many as 300,000 spectators who were wowed by pilots soaring, tumbling and diving over Jones Beach.
Performers this year include the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy's elite Blue Angels, who are headlining for the first time in three years.
Spectators said the show is a great way to honor our nation's veterans, military and those who have fallen.
"We love it all. Love the parachuters when they come down and also all of the other stunt pilots. They're excellent," said Joan Dearborn. "The remembrance of the veterans, that's the main focus."
The beaches were packed with attendees who showed up early for a spot.
"I knew it was going to be crowded because yesterday was a rainout, so I said, all right, lets get here early. My kids are used to getting up early because I used to bring them here at 7 o'clock in the morning, so they knew, okay, let's go," said Jamillah Sills of Amityville. "It's really meaningful to know that other people fought and lost their lives for us."