BRUNSWICK, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- It looks like a nearly perfect weekend for planes, and that's a good thing, because the Great State of Maine Air Show is taking off in Brunswick.

Military and civilian planes went through warm up and practice runs during much of the day Friday. The big stars of this show are the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds flying team. They gave a preview performance during the afternoon, and drew crowds all around the Brunswick Landing airport.

This is the second year that the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA) has put on the show. They're expecting 40,000-60,000 people to come to the former Brunswick Naval Air Station over the two days.

MRRA Executive Director Steve Levesque says they want to continue the long tradition of air shows started by the Navy many years ago. He also says the air show is a way to showcase the former base, remind people that's now open to the public and that some businesses are operating there. Levesque says he hopes there will be some in the crowd who might want to locate their own business there.

The air show runs all day, both Saturday and Sunday, with 18 flying performers on the schedule, in addition to the Thunderbirds. And Steve Levesque announced that they have already booked the Navy's Blue Angels for next year's show. 

MRRA website and show schedule

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