Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority produce Gary's South Shore Air Show?
Is the air show handicap accessible?

How much does it cost to attend the air show?
Will I need money for anything else?
Is there food available at the air show?
Where can I park?
How can I get from the parking lots to the air show?
What should I bring with me?
What should I NOT bring with me?
Can I attend the Friday evening preview at Marquette Park?
What else is going on at the air show?
Can I bring my pet?
What happens if it rains?
What time should I arrive?
What time does Marquette Park open for the air show?
What time does Marquette Park close after the air show?
Can I watch the air show from my boat?
Is the air show announcing broadcast on the radio?
Where can I find “Gary the Fighter Jet” or Gary’s South Shore Air Show merchandise?
Is there a difference between the show on Saturday and Sunday?
Where can I find more information about hotels and things to do in Northwest Indiana?
Are cameras allowed?
Does Gary’s South Shore Air Show have static displays?
Who should I contact about press requests?

Why does the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority produce Gary's South Shore Air Show?
There are a number of benefits that tie the air show to the hospitality industry including Chicago media exposure, the creation and the sustaining of the area's largest destination event, positive impressions of the City of Gary, corporate outreach for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, and the opportunity for the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority to meet with current and potential conventions, events, members and sponsors.

This event also provides the valuable service of community outreach for the SSCVA. Many residents are unaware of the fact that the Authority is not funded by property taxes and its the goals of increasing economic development and employment through tourism.

This event is the model for an public-private partnership to promote special events whereas we bring together the corporate sponsor community, the City of Gary provides police, fire, EMT, parks and garbage, and the Gary Jet Center and the Gary Airport providing the air related logistics.

Is the air show handicap accessible?
You can park at the $20 Premium Parking area in Marquette Park or any of the three designated FREE parking lots. Handicap accessible buses will be available to take you to Marquette Park from all three locations. (There is not a designated handicap parking lot.) You will be dropped off at the main entrance of the show area. Follow the signs directing you to the designated handicap viewing area. Top »

How much does it cost to attend the air show?
Admission is FREE, parking is FREE and shuttle service from the outer parking lots to the air show is FREE. There is also $20 parking available in Marquette Park and $6 parking available at West Beach. Top »

Will I need money for anything else?
You’ll want to bring some cash for food, beverages and souvenirs. Gary’s South Shore Air Show has an array of fantastic food vendors, a beer garden with an excellent view of the show and many show souvenirs. Top »

Is there food available at the air show?
Yes, there will be many vendors with an array of food and beverage options. Top »

Where can I park?
There are three designated free parking locations with free shuttle service to the air show. There is also $20 premium parking available in Marquette Park and $6 parking with free shuttle service available at West Beach. Click here for directions, parking locations and maps. General public parking is prohibited in the neighborhoods surrounding Marquette Park. Violators will be towed. Top »

How can I get from the parking lots to the air show?
If you park in the premier parking in Marquette Park, you will be able to walk across the street to the air show. There is continuous shuttle service from each of the three free parking lots and West Beach to the air show and from the air show back to each of the four designated parking lots. The shuttles run continuously starting at 10:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The final shuttle leaves the air show at 5:00 p.m. both days. Top »

What should I bring with me?
If you plan to park in any of the three free parking lots, there is limited space on the shuttles to the air show. Only bring with you what you can fit on your lap. Suggested items: sunscreen, a small collapsible beach chair and a beach towel. All carry-in items and persons are subject to search. Top »

What should I NOT bring with me?
The following items may NOT be brought onto air show grounds: alcohol, beverages, coolers, food, cans, glass, pets, weapons, tents. Do not bring anything that will not fit on your lap on the shuttle bus. There is limited space on the shuttles. All carry-in items and persons are subject to search. Formula bottles for young infants will be allowed. Top »

Can I attend the Friday evening preview at Marquette Park?
The public is welcome to attend the preview show at Marquette Park in Gary. There will be no shuttle service, but parking is available. The Hangar Party at the Gary/Chicago International Airport has been moved to Marquette Park in Gary. . Top »

What else is going on at the air show?
The military will have interactive displays setup .Top »

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed on air show grounds. Seeing-eye dogs are permitted. Top »

What happens if it rains?
The air show will go on rain or shine. Top »

What time should I arrive?
The shuttle buses will start running from the parking lots at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The air show begins at noon and ends at approximately 4:00 p.m..Top »

What time does Marquette Park open for the air show?
The air show grounds open at 10:30 a.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Shuttle service from the designated parking lots to the air show begins at 10:30 a.m. The air show starts at noon. Top »

What time does Marquette Park close after the air show?
The air show will end at approximately 4:00 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. The air show grounds close at 5:00 p.m. The last shuttle to the parking lots will leave at 5:00 p.m. Top »

Can I watch the air show from my boat?
Since Gary’s South Shore Air Show is over Lake Michigan, it is great to watch from a boat. Please keep your boat behind the safety area marked by the U. S. Coast Guard to safely enjoy the show. You can listen to the air show broadcast by tuning to 88.7 FM. Top »

Is the air show announcing broadcast on the radio?
Speakers will be set up in Marquette Park to broadcast the announcements and performers. If you are watching the show from outside of Marquette Park, tune to 88.7 FM to hear the broadcast. Top »

Where can I find “Gary the Fighter Jet” or Gary’s South Shore Air Show merchandise?
Official Gary’s South Shore Air Show merchandise can be purchased from the official merchandise booth at the air show Saturday and Sunday. Official merchandise can also be purchased anytime from the gift shop in the Indiana Welcome Center. The gift shop is open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Top »

Is there a difference between the show on Saturday and Sunday?
Gary’s South Shore Air Show will feature the same performers Saturday and Sunday. .Top »

Where can I find more information about hotels and things to do in Northwest Indiana?
Some area hotels have discounted rates for the air show weekend. Visit the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority website for more information about hotels, attractions and events in Northwest Indiana. Top »

Are cameras allowed?
Cameras are allowed. Please be aware that camera bags are subject to search. Top »

Does Gary’s South Shore Air Show have static displays?
The air show does not have any static displays. This air show is unique in that it is performed over Lake Michigan and Marquette Park Beach rather than at an airport. Top »

Who should I contact about press requests?
All press requests should be directed to Erika Scheeringa, Director of Public and Community Relations. She can be reached at erika@southshorecva.com or (219)554-2720. Please make all requests by July 2, 2009.

 

© 2010 South Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved