Blue Angels headline upcoming metro Atlanta air show

Something else big that's going down. The Blue Angels are getting ready to soar over Peachtree City. So such a draw, certainly. The U.S. Navy's flight demonstration team headlining this weekend's Atlanta Air Show. And you'll remember they didn't have a chance to be out there last year. The government was shut down, kept them grounded. So this is huge that this is happening once again. So our Maria Guzman is joining us now. She is at Atlanta Regional Airport with a preview. So, Maria, you spoke with some members of the team. What did they say? Yeah, at least, you know, they are very excited to be back this year and right here in Atlanta. So this is their seventh stop. So after here, they're going to go to Florida. But I'm going to go ahead and flip my camera to show you guys because this is a really busy scene right here as people start to prepare. We're only a day away from the air show that is kicking off here on Saturday and Sunday. And right over there. Well, we're going to go to Florida. Over there, you're able to see those F/A-18 Super Hornets. That's where those Blue Angels are going to be flying. But I'm going to go ahead and introduce you guys to Chris and Chris Handles. The public relations for the Atlanta Air Show, Chris, what can people expect Saturday morning? Just talk to me about the details. Well, it's going to be very exciting. You know, first of all, we're happy to be back with a full slate of performers, including military folks. U.S. Navy Blue Angels, as you mentioned, are the featured performer. We have a great mix of military might. That'll be performing as well as civilian performers. So we expect big crowds both Saturday and Sunday here at Atlanta Regional Airport. There are so many moving parts to make this happen. Talk to me about the amount of work and logistics that goes behind the air show. Well, it's sort of like setting up a whole big festival, if you will. It's not just an air show. You know, we have a stage here that we have bands that play and a DJ and we do pilot interviews. It goes beyond just the performers in the sky, although that's what everybody comes to see. Family-friendly event. People bring their kids out. It's a great way to educate the kids on the aviation careers that are out there and maybe even a military career. Does this job ever get old as you see the pilots and the planes and the big color and logo? No, it doesn't. Every show is so exciting to me. And, you know, as long as the weather cooperates, by the way, so we'll count on your meteorologists to make sure the weather is good both show days. So, but no, it never gets old. And, you know, I'm happy to see the kids' faces. That's what makes me the happiest, when they're just excited to see the performers in the sky. And as you mentioned, these guys don't really stop. I mean, after the show, they go back to practice again. Tell me about their next stop after Atlanta. Well, our tour actually will be out down at Kennedy Space Center, believe it or not, in partnership with NASA for the Salute to America in Space show. But as far as the Blue Angels in particular, they'll be going back to Pensacola where they're based and the reality is that they have one more show and then their season ends. So their air show season is coming to a close rapidly and it'll be a little disappointing but we'll ramp it right back up when the new year comes in. Awesome. Well, thank you so much. Again, guys, this is all starting on Saturday. Gates open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at noon. You're able to buy those tickets online at the Atlanta Air Show Tour, at least. I got to tell you, Maria, I still have amazing memories of the first time I saw the Blue Angels. I mean, that's something powerful. It's something that sticks with you. So an amazing opportunity to get out there and to enjoy the show. Maria, thanks so much for sharing more More about that with us today.