Joint Base Marks 95 Years With Open House & Air Show [AUDIO]

Thousands are expected to head to the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst this weekend for their open house and air show.

Organizers of the event say this year's event is even more special for a number of reasons.

It was in 1917 when Fort Dix first opened its gates - 95 years ago. Since that time, they've defended our nation's air, land and sea and will commemorate the occasion during a two day spectacle. It's also the first air show since the three installations merged in 2009. The last event was 2008 and as a complete success. They feel this year will be bigger and better than ever.

This year's Joint Base Open House and Air Show is scheduled for Saturday May 12th and Sunday, May 13th. Gates will open at 8 a.m. on both days. Performances are scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Static displays will remain open until 5 p.m. Because the event takes place on an open airfield, you'll need to bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.

Open House and Air Show Director Monty Dunn says there will be so much to see and do for all ages. He tells us "we know the young kids don't have the longest attention spans so we will have things for them to enjoy. Military memorabilia will be on display and we will have close to 40 food vendors and more."

Some of the vendors will be selling merchandise for the event including open house items and memorabilia. T-shirts, programs and other keepsakes will be on sale. Thirteen aerial performers will dazzle the crowd including the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the Marine Air-Ground Task Force. Historic and modern aircraft's will be displayed during the event.

What about safety and security? Dunn says "the Base is working closely with local, state and federal entities to ensure the highest quality security measures are in place throughout the entire weekend. It's a very secure site so we aren't concerned but will make sure everything is 100 percent."

For complete event information, visit their open house  website.