Legendary vintage war planes, advanced military fighters and more than 50,000 people are expected to descend into the St. Thomas Municipal Airport from June 24 to 26 for the 2011 Great Lakes International Air Show.

"The thrill of a premier show like this one is that we have some of the world's most exciting aircraft together for one weekend," says Gerry Vanderhoek, Director of Flight Operations. "They span almost a century of aviation history but they're side by side at this event."

The 2011 Great Lakes International Air Show will showcase an impressive array of performers and aircraft, including the legendary Canadian Forces Snowbird Demonstration Team and their parachute team, the SkyHawks. In fact, more than 30 different aircraft are confirmed to perform. Included are modern day aircraft like the F-16 Fighting Falcons, A10 Warthogs, KC-135 Stratotankers and F-18 Hornets, as well as many other fighter jets known for their exceptional speed and maneuverability. In addition, there will be rare vintage models such as the last flying SB2C Helldiver, a dive bomber used during World War II.

In what is sure to be one of the highlights of the three-day event, the Canadian Forces will be conducting a combined forces demonstration with both the Army and Air Force. Representative of what soldiers do on operations, during this air to ground battle reenactment CF-188 Hornets and a CH-146 Griffon helicopter will complement a ground assault.

"The reenactment has been enormously popular in Western Canada," says Vanderhoek . "But it is the first time it's being performed at an Ontario air show. That's an exciting honour for St. Thomas."

Participation is not just limited to Canadian Forces. The Great Lakes International Air Show is expected to be the biggest air show for the US Navy outside of the United States. Among their fleet at the event will be 20 planes including Coast Guard helicopters and a Hercules, eight trainers and two jet trainers. This year is extra special for our neighbours to the south as it marks 100 years of Naval Aviation for the United States Navy.

In addition to the amazing spectacle in the skies, the air show itself also offers the surrounding communities an even greater purpose on the ground. As a registered non-profit organization, the Great Lakes International Air Show is dedicated to raising funds for local organizations and charities. Beneficiaries in 2011 include the St. Thomas Elgin General Hospital Foundation, the Military Family Resource Centre (London), the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, St. John Ambulance and the Air Cadets.

Tickets can be purchased at participating Libro Financial locations and online at www.greatlakesinternationalairshow.ca. They are also available at the gate during the event.

On Saturday and Sunday, gates are open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm, and the air show runs between 1:00 and 4:30 pm. On Friday, considered arrival day for many aircraft, gates are open from 4:00 to 8:30 pm. While there is no public parking at the airport site, parking in convenient offsite lots is only $5 per vehicle. Free shuttle buses for the five minute ride to the airport run all day.

Visit www.greatlakesinternationalairshow.ca for more information and check out the show on Facebook and Twitter for "Air Insider" news updates.