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Thunder Over Michigan Air Show Returns To Willow Run

YPSILANTI (CBS Detroit) – The skies over Willow Run Airport will roar to life August 4 and 5 as fighters and bombers from the 1940s and 1950s take flight for the World's largest WWII air and ground battle reenactment.

Kevin Walsh, the events director for Thunder Over Michigan, said the air show is one of the largest gatherings of P-51s Mustangs in the world.  More than 20 P-51 Mustangs will take to the skies.

"We have a quarter of the entire population of flying P-51 mustangs in the world here," said Walsh.

The air show attracts warplanes from all over the nation.  Owners from as far away as Florida and Texas will be flying in for the show.

Thunder Over Michigan is also home to the world's largest air and ground WWII battle reenactment, with 300 to 400 re-enactors participating at once.  Along with the iconic P-51 Mustang, the reenactment features everything from aircraft and tanks to half-tracts and troops.

Walsh said the air show is one of the premiere events for metro Detroit families, too.

"This is one of the most affordable events for family in the metro Detroit area …" said Walsh.  "Basically an entire family of four for $55."

Besides the WWII battle reenactments, audience member will have the rare chance to see an F-86 Sabre fighter jet.  The Sabrejet is an iconic fighter jet from the Korean War and was America's first swept wing fighter jet.

Walsh said the air show also offers a kid's zone and an opportunity for children to meet with piliots.

"They can sit in the aircraft and talk to the pilots," said Walsh.  "This is one of the rare events where you can talk to the performers."

There will also be a Sea Harrier F/A2, which is fighter jet known for its ability to takeoff like a helicopter and even fly backwards.  Along with the Sea Harrier, FIFI, the world's last flying B-29 Superfortress, will be at the show.

Tickets for the air show are $25 and parking is $5 if you order before 12 p.m. August 5.  Tickets are $30 at the gate with $10 parking.  Children 15 years old and younger are free.  Gates for the show open at 9 a.m.  To purchase tickets or for more information, click here.

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