Blues over Biloxi air show takes place this weekend

By land and sea, thousands of spectators are making their way to South Mississippi for this weekend’s Blues over Biloxi air show by the Blue Angels.

It’s the final countdown. In less than 24 hours, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will launch their two day show over the Biloxi beachfront area, but some spectators landed here in South Mississippi a day early to get a front row seat to this weekend’s air show. Christine Gatlin and her family rolled into Biloxi from Louisiana Friday morning, parking their RV in a prime viewing spot close to Harrah’s Gulf Coast. “We are very excited. We have found this parking spot by 6 a.m. and hopefully we’re rooted for the weekend. We love the Blue Angels.”

The Blues over Biloxi show is an out-of-town family affair for some and a matter of pride for others including Biloxi native Darrell Wood, a Navy veteran. “It’s a lot of patriotism for me. I served in the Navy and it’s exciting and thrilling. It’ll give you a charge of adrenaline when you watch them put on such a show.”

If you are not part of the Blue Angels fans that are already out camping then you need to make sure you get out very early because officials say traffic is going to be very hectic. City of Biloxi Public Affairs Specialist Cecilia Dobbs Watson said, “Just make sure that you leave your home early and you expect to leave the event late.”

While Biloxi police will have officers to direct traffic, Chief John Miller suggests arriving at your viewing spot four to five hours before the show starts. Locals and visitors have already lined up to watch rehearsals overhead at popular spots like Harrah’s Gulf Coast where you can watch the show for free. Gates at Harrah’s open at 9 a.m. Saturday, but keep in mind that parking may be difficult. “There will be parking around, just make sure that it is a legal space. Also, another big thing, pedestrians please make sure to cross the road at intersections where officers are,” said Dobbs Watson.

The two day air show is expected to draw in about 100,000 spectators. It starts at 1 p.m. Saturday and will pick up again on Sunday.