Eastern rail to run trips to air show

ROCKLAND – For those looking forward to the return of the United States Navy Blue Angels to Brunswick Naval Air Station, Maine Eastern Railroad will provide westbound, round-trip transportation in and out of Brunswick specifically for the weekend event.

The Great State of Maine Air Show will be Sept. 6-7, and all parties are preparing for the 2008 performance. BNAS again will open its gates to provide the public an opportunity to experience the air show firsthand.

The Blue Angels visit to BNAS in 2007 was thought to be the final one. Their visit last year was a bonus, as it was thought the 2005 show would be the last for Maine.

Nevertheless, the Blue Angels will fly the Maine skies once more in early September.

The train ride into Brunswick has proved to be a popular option for families looking to avoid the frustration of sitting in long lines of traffic and finding a place to park their car. The special train schedule was specifically designed by Maine Eastern to deliver passengers directly in front of the main gate of the naval base in time for the show opening.

The train will start in Rockland at 8 a.m. and pick up passengers in Wiscasset and Bath, before completing the journey to just beyond Cooks Corner crossing.

According to Maine Eastern reservations supervisor Juanita LaRocque, people already are calling to purchase train tickets.

In addition to the Blue Angels, other performers will include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team; the extreme air show act Team Chaos; and multiple aerobatics demonstrations, including wing walker Ashley Battles.

Admission into the air show is free, and special pricing is available for reserved seating on the flight line by contacting BNAS directly.

Round-trip train tickets start at $40 per person from Rockland, $20 for children. Reservations are strongly recommended.

For train reservations, schedule and information, click www.maineeasternrailroad.com or call 207-596-6725. For show information, visit www.greaterstateofmaineairshow.com or call 866-615-9204. For information about the Blue Angels, visit www.blueangels.navy.mil.