Bethpage Federal takes its air show online
Though its annual Jones Beach air show has been cancelled, Bethpage Federal Credit Union and the state Parks Department are launching an online version.
Previously scheduled to take place Memorial Day weekend, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels were set to headline the 17th annual Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach, where hundreds of thousands were expected to attend.
However, since the popular event was cancelled due to COVID-19, a virtual experience is being organized to offer Bethpage Air Show fans activities to participate in online throughout May and June.
“We can never replace the Bethpage Air Show and of course, are still saddened to know that our hundreds of thousands of fans won’t be with us on-site at Jones Beach this year,” Linda Armyn, senior vice president of Bethpage FCU, said in a company statement. “However, we are thrilled to have the opportunity to now connect our fans with show performers and organizers in a special way. Many of the pilots have been asking how their New York area fans are doing and this effort now gives them a chance to share their well wishes, and share videos from some of their favorite previous performances.”
The Bethpage Virtual Air Show Experience schedule includes:
May 8: The Bethpage Air Show Fan Photo Album
Fans can submit photos of themselves attending previous Bethpage Air Shows, which will then be uploaded to an online photo album. To submit your photo, go to www.bethpageairshow.com. Submissions will be accepted from May 8 through May 22. Bethpage will update the Fan Photo Album every Friday.
May 19: Bethpage Air Show Activity Book
Download this activity and coloring book for children from the air show website. Activities include word searches, complete the pictures, make your own paper airplane, and coloring pages, with all content relating to the Bethpage Air Show, performers, jets, and planes.
May 23: Bethpage Air Show at Jones Beach Volunteer Video Montage
Meet the many behind-the-scenes volunteers who donate their time yearly to produce what has grown to become one of the largest public events in the state. The volunteers will share some of their personal, behind-the-scenes photos and offer personalized video messages to fans on the air show website starting on May 23.
May 24: The Bethpage Virtual Air Show
Fans this year can view the Bethpage Virtual Air Show right from the comfort of their own homes. The air show director will welcome fans to the show and introduce the show’s boss, Wayne Boggs, and announcer, Rob Reider. Performers and pilots will also share specially-recorded messages with fans and footage from some of their favorite air show performances.
June 1: Search for the “Biggest Blue Angels Fan” Sweepstakes
The air show is searching for its biggest Blue Angels fan. Share details on why you are the biggest fan of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and your name will be entered into a drawing to win a personalized video message from a Blue Angel Pilot. Fans will be able to enter from June 1 through June 12 and a winner will be announced on June 19. Visit the air show website at for details.
May 11 – May 29: Other Activities
Win tickets to view the 2021 Bethpage Air Show from Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s VIP tent by visiting the air show on Facebook, where you can participate in trivia and photo hunt contests for a chance to win.
