Planning under way for Thunder Over Niagara air show

The Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, several local Army, Marine and other military units, and the Niagara Military Affairs Council are working hard on plans for Thunder Over Niagara 2011.

The air show will be held Sept. 10 and 11. This year's event will honor those who were first responders and military called to duty when our nation was attacked 10 years ago. A solemn procession will be held to honor those who have lost their lives that day. The U.S. Marine Corps band will participate each day.

The lineup of static and aerial demonstrations includes the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Local dentist and pilot Rick Volker will also perform. Aircraft on static display will include the U.S. Marine Corps vertical takeoff and landing V-22 Osprey, a first-timer here at Niagara. The V-22 was developed by Bell Aircraft with much of the early research done here. There will be several surprise-visit aircraft both on the ground and making overhead passes.

Gates will open at 9 a.m. Procession starts at 11:15 a.m., with flying beginning around noon.

Although the air show is free, this year for the first time, there is also an opportunity to become an "air show insider" and purchase VIP tickets, which will offer a prime viewing area, catered food and drinks and an opportunity to meet the pilots. Only 400 VIP tickets are available. The tickets go on sale online Thursday, Aug. 25.

For more information visit the air show website at www.Thunderoverniagara.com.