The Bethpage Air Show At Jones Beach Is A Go This Year

WANTAGH, NY — A Long Island beachfront tradition is returning this summer after a year-long absence, despite the COVID-19 pandemic — it will just be a little different.

The Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach State Park will return this Memorial Day, but with a ticketing system in place to reduce beach capacity and social distancing requirements, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office announced Monday.

The popular outdoor show, which is sponsored by Bethpage Federal Credit Union, features a range of military and civilian aerial performers like the U.S. Air Force’s Thunderbirds and the A-10 Thunderbolt, dubbed the “Warthog,” the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, and the U.S. Coast Guard Search and Rescue team.

The show will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. starting on Friday, May 28, which is the practice show; Saturday, May 29, and Sunday, May 30.

Parking passes must be purchased in advance of the show to reserve a parking spot, according to Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s Facebook page. They are expected to go on sale in mid-April, officials said. Other changes to the event include a parking capacity cap of 50%, and only those with a ticket will be allowed to enter the park’s grounds, officials said. More details will be released at a later time.

Additional staff will be on hand to enforce health and safety requirements, including face covering requirements and social distancing. State Park Police will also be supplemented by troopers from the New York State Police. People with appointments at the Jones Beach Covid-19 testing or vaccine sites will not be affected, and they will be able to enter through dedicated traffic lanes.

Cuomo said that state residents “can look forward to enjoying more and more outdoor adventures this summer,” as the state “continues to see progress in its fight against COVID and cautiously reopens.”

"With safety measures in place, New Yorkers and visitors can get back to enjoying all that Jones Beach and Long Island State Parks have to offer, and this annual festival is a great way to get outdoors and support the regional Long Island economy,” he said.

State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said there is “no better way to begin the summer beach season than with the Bethpage Air Show.”

Kullesand went in to laud Cuomo for his “leadership and support,” saying that his department is “excited” to host the return of the air show.

“I'm grateful for all the sponsors, partners, performers and staff who work hard to carry on this tradition that brings so many families and friends together,” he said.

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Chief Executive Officer Wayne Grosse said he and his colleagues are “thrilled” the air show is coming back.

“After a challenging year, Bethpage is proud to work with State Parks to ensure air show fans of all ages can enjoy a beautiful day at the beach and honor our nation's military this Memorial Day weekend,” he said. “While this year's show will look a little different with reduced capacity, we are glad New Yorker's will still be able to enjoy the fun, high-energy Air Show that all the fans have come to expect."