OC Air Show makes big calendar move, announces elite international headliner: All to know

Olivia Minzola, Salisbury Daily Times
·3 min read

If you've planned a trip to Ocean City for June 2024 in hopes of catching a glimpse of legions of high-speed military and aerobatic aircrafts soaring through the clouds, you may want to reschedule.

That's right — the resort town's annual OC Air Show, which typically takes place during the height of summer, has now been pushed back to August. Here's everything you need to know.

OC Air Show moved to late summer 2024

The 17th annual OC Air Show, a signature event on the Air Dot Show Tour, is shifting to the end of the 2024 summer season. Now, the air show is slated to host a special international edition from Aug. 24-25, featuring Frecce Tricolori, the renowned Italian Air Force aerobatic team from Rivolto Air Base in Italy.

The Frecce Tricolori, also known as the "Tricolour Arrows," are set to grace the American skies for the first time in over 30 years. Their flight over the crisp, blue Atlantic Ocean will surely be a sight to see.

The last sighting of their distinctive red, green, and white smoke trails in the United States dates to 1992, said the Air Dot Show Tour in a Dec. 6 news release. The OC Air Show will be one of only six events nationwide where they will perform during their 2024 tour.

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The 2024 Ocean City Airshow has been selected to host Italian Air Force aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori from Rivolto Air Base in Italy.
The 2024 Ocean City Airshow has been selected to host Italian Air Force aerobatic team, Frecce Tricolori from Rivolto Air Base in Italy.

Bryan Lilley, Chairman of the Air Dot Show Tour, expressed enthusiasm for the 2024 event.

"This marks a historic moment for the OC Air Show as we host our first military demonstration team from another continent. I want to thank the mayor and City Council for working together with us to move the show to the end of summer for 2024 so we can host the Frecce Tricolori," Lilley said.

"I think it underscores the commitment of both the tour and the town to do whatever is necessary to ensure the OC Air Show continues to be one of the largest and most popular aviation events in North America," he added.

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What to expect from the Italian Air Force display, and more

June 2, 2021: A seagull looks on as the Italian three-color special air force acrobatic team "Frecce Tricolori" flies over Rome and the Vatican as Italy celebrates the anniversary of its unification.
June 2, 2021: A seagull looks on as the Italian three-color special air force acrobatic team "Frecce Tricolori" flies over Rome and the Vatican as Italy celebrates the anniversary of its unification.

Frecce Tricolori — officially designated as the 313° Gruppo Addestramento Acrobatico, Pattuglia Acrobatica Nazionale (English translation: 313th Acrobatic Training Group, National Aerobatic Team) — was established on March 1, 1961, at Rivolto Air Base in the Italian province of Udine.

The team operates the Aermacchi MB-339-A/PAN, a two-seat fighter-trainer craft.

Comprising 10 aircraft, including nine in close formation and a soloist, the Frecce Tricolori hold the distinction of being the world's largest acrobatic patrol. Their 30-minute display showcases awe-inspiring skills, bringing a touch of Italian flair to the American skies, the release stated.

In addition to Frecce Tricolori's performances, the 2024 OC Air Show will feature a diverse lineup of military and civilian aircraft. A full lineup will be announced early in 2024. As of now, only two performers have been announced — Frecce Tricolori and the F-22 Raptor Demo Team.

The fate of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and U.S. Navy Blue Angels is still unknown. However, schedules for both demonstration teams currently list them performing in two other U.S. cities from Aug. 24-25, 2024.

During that time, the Thunderbirds are scheduled to take flight at "The Defenders of Freedom Air and Space Show" in Nebraska, while the Blue Angels are expected to soar at the "Frontiers In Flight Air Show" in Kansas.

For additional OC Air Show information, including when tickets will go on sale for the upcoming event and how to sign up for updates, visit https://ocairshow.com.

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Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: OC Air Show makes big calendar move, has elite international headliner