ExploringMaine.com

The Blue Angels and other flight teams have thrilled Mainers for decades.

The U.S. Navy's precision flight demonstation team "Blue Angels" will perform at the Brunswick Naval Air Station Brunswick Sept. 6 and 7 as part of the "Great State of Maine Airshow '08."

This is expected to be the last show at the base, which is scheduled to close in 2010. The Blue Angels have appeared at BNAS 17 times since 1962. After this year the base will not have enough staff to put on the event, John James, a base spokesman, said in announcing this year's event.

With more than a dozen military and civilian aerial acts, 25-plus military aircraft on ground display, and almost 200,000 people expected, the air show will be the largest two-day event in the state of Maine this year.

For the first time, there will be a special night show, the Afterburner Blast, Sept. 5, with aerial acts and afterburners in the sky and live music and food on the ground. People will be able to meet members of the Navy Blue Angels and Army Golden Parachute teams.

All the events are free and with free parking. But James said for the first time his year, that gates of the base will be closed and no more vehicles allowed to enter. Late arrivals caused problems last year.

Gates open at 8 a.m. Sept. 6 and 7 with flying starting at 10 a.m. and continuing until 4 p.m.

For information or for paid front row seating visit GreaterStateofMaineAirShow.com.