Gowen Thunder air show this weekend: Parking, security rules and seating

Aviation lovers are gearing up for Gowen Thunder 2017, set to take place Oct. 14-15 at Gowen Field in Boise. That show, the first at the Idaho National Guard base for decades, will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and their Canadian counterparts, the Royal Canadian Snowbirds.

Two stationary F-35s (they will not take to the skies during the show) will be included so people can get an up-close look at the planes that may come to Gowen Field some time in the future.

The planes will fly into Boise for the show, but times and dates of their departures and arrivals are not available, say organizers. The schedule and their appearance is subject to change. The show is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day.

Gowen Thunder 2017 is the first open house and airshow in Boise in more than 20 years, say officials. The event will also include the U.S. Army jump team and a combined arms demonstration, including tanks, Bradley fighting vehicles, self-propelled howitzers and both Army and Air Guard helicopters and jets.

General admission to the air show is free, but special seating is available. Chalet seating is sold out, but seats in the bleachers ($28 general) and in the VIP Thunderdome ($149, including parking on site) are still available for both days. Buy tickets online at gowenthunder.org.

Boise police are urging attendees to park in one of the shuttle lots because of the anticipated crowds.

Parking is first-come, first-serve. Organizers are encouraging car pooling and advising attendees to arrive early. Parking locations are subject to change, so watch the website, gowenthunder.org. As of Friday morning, parking will be available at the West Ada School District, Scentsy, Blue Cross of Idaho, Micron, Boise Airport Economy Lot, Warthog Parking Lot, Blackhawk Parking lot (check the website for maps and locations and driving instructions).

Free shuttles will travel to all seven sites throughout the day.

Because of the traffic, the general public will not be permitted to bring motorcycles and bicycles, nor will any foot traffic be permitted to enter Gowen Field. Disabled visitors with a valid vehicle tag may utilize parking on Gowen Field.

Some items will not be allowed at the event. This includes:

• Firearms and weapons
• Knives
• Fireworks
• Brass knuckles
• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Large backpacks
• Drones (prohibited on or near the installation)
• Coolers
• Pets (Service animals specifically trained and certified to aid disabled persons are welcome)

These items are allowed:

• Folding chairs
• Hand-held cameras
• Binoculars
• Sunscreen
• Ear protection
• Empty water containers

Get tickets online at eventelf.com or gowenthunder.org.

This story was originally published July 3, 2017 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Gowen Thunder air show this weekend: Parking, security rules and seating."