Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - The disappointment of Saturday's fog and low cloud cover that abbreviated the first day of the air show was quickly forgotten Sunday as thousands viewed the full show with a backdrop of blue sky and billowing white clouds.
In addition to the sellout Sunday attendees watching the show, thousands from the Saturday show turned out as well as the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation allowed Saturday attendees to turn out for the Sunday show due to the limited scope of flight allowed Saturday.
There was no delay or disappointment Sunday as the planes flew through in formation, executing tricks and dives, before the thousands lined up along the Buffalo waterfront and in hundreds of boats that were anchored in the harbor and eastern Lake Erie basin.
Event organizers estimate 11 thousand spectators witnessed the two day air show.
While only one Blue Angel jet flew Saturday, the full team was on display Sunday as the aircraft sped through the sky trailing plumes of smoke and climbing to altitudes barely visible on the ground before diving back within range to a mesmerized crowd.
"There is no doubt that the excitement of the air show brought a new energy and introduced more people to our wonderful waterfront," said Robert Gioia, Chairman, Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation "This first-of-its-kind event on the Buffalo waterfront provided a great combination of the most famous military jet team in the world, a U.S. Air Force fighter jet demo, and incredible aerobatics that left fans in awe of the skills of the pilots and the capabilities of the aircraft. It was great for the aviation enthusiast as well as casual fan to be able to see the wide variety of aircraft in such a perfect setting."
"We cannot thank the fans, pilots, volunteers, supporters and staff enough for making the dream of a waterfront air show a reality this weekend," said Ben Canetti, Air Show Director, "Our expectations for an exhilarating event was exceeded with every performance. Everyone who made the Thunder on the Buffalo Waterfront show a success should be proud that their work paid off and was appreciated by the thousands of people who were thrilled by the high-powered event."
In addition to the Blue Angels, the show featured the Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Teams, the United States Canadian CF-18 Hornet Demo Team, Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt (Warthog), World Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland, as well as many other world-class civilian performers were also part of the stellar lineup. A portion of the proceeds will support the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park.
The economic boost from the air show went far beyond the waterfront, with area hotels and restaurants also benefiting from the influx of thousands of visitors.
Blue Angels in formation, visible from a boat off the Buffalo waterfrontWBEN photo
