Seattle is gearing up for the arrival of the U.S. Navy Blue Angels this week, just in time for Seafair weekend. The elite Blue Angels team is set to fly into Seattle on Wednesday, with practice flights scheduled for Thursday ahead of their dazzling airshows throughout the weekend. The Blue Angels' schedule includes an arrival at King County International Airport, practice runs, and their main airshow performance. This renowned team, founded in 1946, is dedicated to showcasing the professionalism of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps, captivating over 11 million spectators annually across the country.
Each year, the Blue Angels captivate audiences with their precision maneuvers and high-flying displays, including the iconic airshow at the Seafair Weekend Festival in Seattle. This year's lineup of Seafair airshow performers also features a range of impressive aircraft, such as the C-130 Fat Albert, the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B, the U.S. Air Force F-16, P-51 Mustang, and C-17 Globemaster III. The Blue Angels team comprises both officers and enlisted personnel, with many members serving for two to three years before returning to the fleet or completing their service term.
Several enlisted personnel on this year's Blue Angels team have ties to western Washington, adding a local touch to the prestigious airshow event. For example, Brandon Wishard, a flight engineer on the Fat Albert aircraft hailing from Tacoma, plays a crucial role in logistics and support for the team's operations at each show site. In addition to the aerial performances by the Blue Angels and other military aircraft, the Apollo Mechanical Cup Hydroplane Race is set to provide thrilling water-based entertainment on Lake Washington throughout Seafair weekend.
For those unable to attend the event in person, KING 5 will be broadcasting the hydroplane race finals on KONG and KING 5+ on Sunday, offering viewers a chance to experience the excitement from the comfort of their homes. To stream the race live, viewers can download the KING 5+ app on their devices. This year's Seafair promises to be a dynamic celebration of naval aviation, precision aerobatics, and thrilling hydroplane racing, showcasing the best of Seattle's maritime and aerial heritage.
As anticipation builds for the Blue Angels' performances, there have been mixed reactions within the community. While some eagerly await the aerial displays, others have expressed concerns. One individual, Lauren Ann Lombardi, has filed a lawsuit attributing the death of her cat to the stress caused by previous Blue Angels' flyovers in Seattle. Despite these challenges, Seafair CEO Emily Cantrell has confirmed that the show will go on as planned, emphasizing the positive feedback and longstanding tradition of the Blue Angels' participation in the festival.
Join hosts Jake Skorheim and Spike O'Neill on "The Jake and Spike Show" as they delve into the excitement surrounding the upcoming Seafair weekend and the controversy surrounding the Blue Angels. From highlighting the Blue Angels' aerial performances to discussing local events and community news, the show offers a lively exploration of Seattle's vibrant culture and entertainment scene. Tune in to KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM for the latest updates and insights from Jake and Spike, covering a range of engaging topics and trending stories.
Seafair weekend promises an action-packed lineup of events, from high-flying aerobatics to thrilling hydroplane races, drawing spectators from near and far to experience the excitement and energy of this iconic Seattle tradition. Whether you're a fan of military aviation, water sports, or community festivals, Seafair offers something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the spirit of summer in the Pacific Northwest. Don't miss out on the thrills and excitement of Seafair 2025, where the Blue Angels will take center stage alongside a diverse array of performers and activities, creating lasting memories for audiences of all ages.
