Yesterday, May 25, over a quarter of a million people lined the shores for the 5th Annual 2008 Bethpage Federal Credit Union New York Air Show at Jones Beach State Park.
On Sunday, over 260,000 people attended one of North America’s largest Air Shows. Saturday drew about one third less people. The central mall boardwalk was filled with thousands of people barely moving at times.
Although the show was scheduled to start at 10AM, lots were beginning to fill by 9 AM. Field 6 was closed well before the 10 AM start.
At around 12 PM, New York State Park officials decided to stop allowing vehicles into Park grounds. Local radio stations, who broadcasted live at Jones Beach, told listeners to turn around if your headed to the beach because all lots are filled.
New York State Troopers and Park Police closed down Ocean Parkway, Loop Parkway and the Meadowbrook and Wantagh Parkways south of Merrick Avenue. Angry motorists, who arrived too late, were forced to turn around. On the Meadowbrook and Wantagh Parkways, 3 full lanes of traffic were merged into one lane off-ramps at the Merrick Avenue exits. Thousands of other vehicles were allowed into the park but could not find any parking spaces. Officials allowed those vehicles to safely park of the grass shoulders throughout the park.
Leaving the Park wasn’t any easier. Congestion at all lots and exits caused many vehicles to wait over an hour just to travel one mile. Beach goers leaving an hour after the show ended, were still forced to sit in 20-30 minute traffic.
Overall, many would agree, the hour or so in traffic was worth the 5 hour long show in the Sky.
