Milwaukee visitors soon will be looking up
as dazzling air show returns to lakefront

SUMMER ACTIVITIES on Milwaukee’s lakefront normally are on the land or water, but on July 15 & 16 all eyes will be turned skyward.

The two-day TCF Bank Air Expo this year again will rock the downtown area with the sounds of the world-renowned Air Force Thunderbirds, aerobatic teams using vintage WWII aircraft and fly-by demonstrations by top-of-the-line military aircraft.

“We are thrilled to be able to bring the nation’s top aerial performers and stunt teams to Milwaukee’s lakefront again this summer,” said Michael Maloney, president of American Air Shows. “The TCF Bank Air Expo is the region’s largest free, two-day event and is the summer’s top family-friendly destination.”

This year’s headliners include:

• The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, an elite, handpicked squadron of fighter jet pilots who have mastered precision moves that demonstrate modern, high-performance aircraft capabilities. This will be the only 2006 Wisconsin appearance by the elite team of 12 jets.

• The Red Baron Squadron (registration mark), an exciting team known for signature red-and-white WWII-era Boeing Stearman aircraft. The squadron uses smoke and noise to excite fans and amaze onlookers.

• Many other performers including Sean D. Tucker and a team performing original maneuvers at more than 100 mph.; Michael Goulian's low-altitude acrobatics; the Team Aerostar USA aerial ballet using 400-hoursepower, nine-cylinder WWII-type aerobatic trainers, and The Firebirds Delta Team known for head-on, daredevil maneuvers.

“The Thunderbird show is a must-see event,” said Maloney. “Milwaukee embraced the TCF Bank Air Expo last year with record-breaking attendance and we are looking forward to bringing an even bigger, more exciting show to Milwaukee this summer.

On the ground in Veterans Park just north of the Milwaukee Art Museum, a variety of activities will be available, including concession stands, children’s entertainment, military helicopters and aircraft displays.

American Air Shows, which produced its first TCF Bank show in Milwaukee last year, has produced air shows in the U.S. for eight years. The principal sponsor of the Milwaukee show is TCF Bank, a $13.8 billion financial services holding company based in Minnesota. TCF has a major retail and commercial banking operations in the Milwaukee area and throughout Wisconsin.