Less free parking for 2011 Gary Air Show

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

The 12th annual Gary South Shore Air Show will have perhaps the best lineup it’s ever seen, but spectators will be picking up more of the cost.

Fans will once again get to marvel at the fifth-generation U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor, with its stealth capabilities; the U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet; plus perennial favorites the U.S. Army Golden Knights and the Lima Lima Flight Team, South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority CEO Speros Batistatos announced during a Wednesday morning press conference at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond.

A wide array of food vendors, a beer garden and interactive military displays will also be on hand.

The authority has, however, eliminated free parking along U.S. 20, though shuttle service to and from Marquette Park will remain free of charge at specific points. The move was made after the authority determined there was ample paid parking spectators could take advantage and to help offset costs, such as that of the shuttle, which costs the SSCVA $30,000 to use the Saturday and Sunday of the show.

One route, from Majestic Star Casinos, will have free parking and shuttle service for those who don’t mind a little more distance to ride; West Beach, immediately to the east of the show, will have shuttle service, but parking will cost $6. Parking at Marquette Park proper, meanwhile, will remain at $20, an amenity Batistatos said was important to keep.

“We looked at raising the price, but we think $20 per car is reasonable. If we raise it more, we would see pushback,” he said.

A new partnership with Strack and Van Til will have people riding all-terrain vehicles soliciting spectators for $1, $5 or $10 donations in exchange for coupons redeemable at the supermarket chain; other stores are being encouraged to sign on as well.

All proceeds will go toward defraying the $150,000 investment the SSCVA puts toward the $450,000 air show – an investment Batistatos says is worth every penny.

“We bring in a half million people to Gary every year,” he said. “We’re serving the community, we’re bringing in world-class talent, and we have a 96 percent return rate – that’s how iconic this show has become. Now, you tell me what else in Gary, Indiana has that kind of return rate?”

Batistatos, along with Gary Mayor Rudy Clay, assured that the level of security present in previous years will ensure the record of no arrests in four years will continue. Batistatos thanked Clay for his support and partnership since becoming mayor.