Air show visitors: Have a plan

  • Published
  • By News Staff
  • 81st Training Wing public affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Spectators planning to attend the Keesler's "Thunder on the Bay" Air Show & Open House  April 4 - 5 are encouraged to have a travel plan in place before heading out the door.  With large crowds anticipated and limit parking on base,  drivers should plan their routes accordingly and consider carpooling if possible, according to base officials.  Some items to consider:

PARKING - There will be designated parking areas for the public in close proximity to the base. Uniformed personnel and local law enforcement officials will direct the public to the appropriate parking area near Keesler's Oak Park Gate or its alternate parking location adjacent to Meadows Gate.  Air show shuttles will transport visitors to and from the air show main entrance and will run continuously throughout the day.
There are no parking fees.

DIRECTIONS to parking areas: From I-10, exit I-110 via the Bayview Exit near the IP Casino, then turn right. From Highway 90, turn onto Caillavet Street across from the Beau Rivage Casino. Follow Caillavet Street, then turn left onto Bayview near the IP Casino. Please follow instructions from uniformed personnel and law enforcement officials. 

HANDICAPPED personnel with official state license plates or placards are allowed to park on base by entering the Judge Sekul Gate. Handicapped personnel will receive directions from uniformed personnel. [From I-10W, take the I-110/MS-15 Exit 46 (Exit 46A if coming from I-10E) towards Biloxi/Keesler AFB, take the Division Street Exit 1C, turn right on Division Street and turn right onto Judge Sekul; From Beach Blvd/US-90W, turn right onto Porter Avenue (left onto Porter Ave is coming from Beach Blvd/US-90E), and turn left onto Judge Sekul] 

PEDESTRIAN traffic is permitted through the Oak Park Gate (behind the USAF Hospital) and Meadows Gate (off of Forrest Ave). 

- Only personnel with Department of Defense identification cards may enter Keesler Air Force Base through Pass Road Gate and White Avenue (main) Gate. No pedestrian traffic is permitted through the Pass Road Gate and White Avenue (main) gates. 

BILOXI BAY CLOSURE: The Biloxi Back Bay is scheduled to close intermittently April 2-5 from approximately 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. to civilian and maritime traffic per Federal Aviation Administration regulations in preparation for and during the air show and open house. 

PROHIBITED ITEMS: Please be advised that all bags will be inspected as spectators enter through airfield security control points, and all individuals are subject to search. Confiscated items will not be returned.
- Ice chests or coolers
- Large bags (bags larger than a small purse or fanny pack), duffle bags and briefcases
- All weapons (regardless of permit) including: firearms, knives (including pocket knives and multi-tools), walking sticks (except for handicap use), pepper spray, tasers and other items that Keesler Air Force Base Security Forces personnel deem dangerous
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pets (other than service animals)
- Glass containers
- Bicycles, roller skates, roller blades or skateboards

· AUTHORIZED ITEMS: Please be advised that all bags will be inspected as spectators enter through airfield security control points, and all individuals are subject to search. Confiscated items will not be returned. It is recommended that the number and size of authorized items are minimized to reduce the time required for inspections. 

- Cellular phones and pages (may be asked to turn them off/on) 

- Cameras or camcorders (owners should not load film prior to entering the show area as they may be required to open all compartments at checkpoints) 

- Folding chairs or lawn chairs (chairs in bags are subject to search) 

- Umbrellas or sunshades 

- Wheelchairs, guide/working dogs (to assist handicapped) 

- Baby bags and small strollers, if attending with an infant or small child 

· AIR SHOW TIPS: Whether this is your first air show, or your 100th air show, you may find the tips below useful - 

- Bring hearing protection 

- Stay hydrated 

- Wear sunglasses and plenty of sunscreen 

- Wear a hat 

- Wear comfortable shoes 

- Come prepared to be in the elements 

- Smoking is prohibited on the airfield next to aircraft! There will be designated smoking areas at the air show. 

- Please place your trash into appropriate trash receptacles 

- Enjoy the show! 

The air show, which is free and open to the public, will showcase the U.S. Air Force
Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and many more aerial performances, in addition to various static aircraft displays. This is Keesler's first air show since April 2004 and the first time in 15 years since the Thunderbirds last performed here. 

More information can be found at www.keesler.af.mil