Open House parking outlined Published Aug. 25, 2010 By Senior Airman Abigail Klein 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Hailing the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds as headliners, Airmen and visitors attending McConnell's Open House and Air Show Sept. 25 and 26 may also wonder where they can park. With gates open at 10 a.m., parking areas have been designated for off-base guests and Team McConnell members. With the anticipation of large crowds of 30,000 to 50,000 people, all guests are encouraged to arrive early no matter the parking area, said Tech. Sgt. Karl Bonkoski, 22nd Security Forces member. Visitor parking For visitors to McConnell, free parking will be available at Cessna. Access to the lot is available from Rock Road. Over flow parking is available at Boeing and Spirit; however those lots won't be open until the Cessna parking is full. Guests will be directed to open parking areas by volunteers and posted signs beginning at 10 a.m. Local contractors will also provide shuttle services from the open parking area to McConnell's flightline entry control points. A list of item people may bring to the open house is available on the base Web site at www.mcconnell.af.mil. Any unapproved items will not be allowed on the shuttles. McConnell visitors who have special needs will be directed by 22nd Security Forces Squadron members to designated disabled parking located on base on the west side of Building 1090. Those who require this parking are also advised to enter McConnell on the far right lane, the designated lane for guests who have special needs. Before being allowed entry to the base, these guests must provide a Department of Motor Vehicles authorized license plate or placard to 22nd SFS entry controllers for verification, said Staff Sgt. Joshua Brown, 22nd Logistics Readiness Squadron vehicle operations superintendent. In addition to the off-site visitor parking and disabled parking, VIP parking will be provided to registered WWII veterans and invited distinguished visitors. Team McConnell members Airmen and their families are encouraged to walk or use one of the two operating base shuttles that will be provided in base housing at the bus stops by the youth center and the marquee. "We'd really prefer it if Airmen and their families walked or took the shuttles because by doing this, it will help limit the traffic congestion that occurs during this time," said Sergeant Bonkoski. Airmen who are volunteering during the open house are also reminded that parking is on a "first come, first serve basis," and are encouraged to park at their normal duty locations or wherever space is available. On-base security For the safety and security of all Open House guests, staff and performers, all who attend the event are subject to a search by members of security forces and members of the Transportation Security Administration. "The metal detectors are in place to ensure the safety of all in attendance at the Open House will help prevent any incidents that might hinder the attendant's experience," said Sergeant Bonkoski. Appropriate dress All Open House attendees are also reminded to be prepared for any type of climate around them. "Guests should remember to hydrate and are allowed to bring clear water bottles with them to do this and should also dress to be prepared for any kind of weather that day," said Sergeant Bonkoski. Attendants should also anticipate for long waits before, during and after the Open House. Following these steps should ensure that attendants of the Open House can enjoy the variety of acts and demonstrations scheduled for the 2010 show. While the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are the featured aerial demonstration, many performers will showcase their aircraft's capabilities. The Navy will fly an F/A-18 Hornet through a variety of tactical aerial maneuvers. John Klatt will showcase the Air National Guard and several other military aircraft will be flown and or available on display. In addition, the air show will host civilian performances by Clay Lacy, Dan Buchannon and a WWII aerial dog fight reenactment. On the ground McConnell guests can watch as the U.S. Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon personifies professionalism as they perform a precise rifle drill. In addition, soldiers from the 1st Infantry Division, "The Big Red" will showcase their legacy with ground displays. The Open House allows McConnell to open its gates to the community and thank them for their support. "It's an exciting, fun, friendly and free weekend for the whole family," said Sharon Hamric, 22nd Air Refueling Wing community relations chief. "This community has done so much for us and this is our gift to them." The parking designations are subject to change without notice.