A classic summer tradition in the Hudson Valley is taking off again, bringing visitors from all across the tri-state.

The New York International Air Show is coming to Orange County Airport this weekend.

"It’s like a concert in the sky," said Orange County resident Gui Petriello.

This Saturday and Sunday, the US Air Force Thunderbirds will take flight over the Hudson Valley. The show also means major business for local merchants who look forward to this time of year.

What You Need To Know

  • Captain Aimee "Rebel" Fiedler is a F-16 pilot who will perform in the air show this weekend

  • The air show will take place at the Orange County Airport

  • The show will feature the Thunderbirds, the F-16 Viper Demo team, the West Point parachute team and other acts

Petriello, of Dave’s Food Shack, brings his family to almost every air show here, and can’t wait for this weekend's performances.

"You can see the airport right from here, so there’s only two ways in, left and right, and you gotta pass us both ways to get there. So we’re hoping as this line backs up, people want some fresh-squeezed lemonade or some fresh sandwiches," said Petriello.

They’re stationed right outside of the airport and hoping this weekend brings tons of hungry aviation fans.

"The empanadas are what’s got the town really talking right now," said Petriello.

While they’re prepping the empanadas and lemonade, F-16 pilot Capt. Aimee “Rebel” Fiedler of the F16 Viper Demo team is ready to show off her moves.

"You’re gonna see me pull a lot of Gs, go really fast," Fiedler said. "I go really slow as well, so I kind of show you all the limits of what the F-16 is capable of."

Fiedler is just one of the pilots taking to the skies this weekend.

"I mean, they are cooking and booking. It’s almost like you’re in a silent war zone between you and the sky," said Petriello.

The Air Force Thunderbirds will be headlining the event, but you can also spot West Point’s parachute team and other acts from leading performers over the two-day event.

"We get to take a little piece of the Air Force and bring it to parts of the country where maybe little kids or even adults have never even seen a fighter jet in real life," said Fiedler.

You can get your tickets for the event online and by phone. Discounted advanced sale tickets will be sold until midnight Friday.