Gary’s South Shore Air Show will feature the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, above, and several other aeronautic acts. Photo from South Shore Air Show

By TYLER DEJONG

Blue Star Highway

This month the sky over Lake Michigan beaches in northern Indiana will be torn open by screaming fighter jets, skydiving teams and stunt planes in a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics.

The 12th Annual Gary’s South Shore Air Show will be held July 15, 16 and 17 on the beaches of Marquette Park and Beach, 1 North Grand Blvd., Gary, Ind.

Dozens of military and civilian acts will perform for an expected crowd of 60,000 over Lake Michigan, in a festival environment complete with interactive displays, a kids’ play zone, food vendors and a beer garden.

The Friday, July 15 twilight show features a rare opportunity to enjoy a full air show at sunset on the beach. The show begins at 6 p.m. and will conclude at sunset with a fireworks finale.

The 2011 show will feature a diverse variety of aeronautic acts including US Army Golden Knights parachute team, U.S. Navy F-18 Super Hornet, Lima Lima Flight Team, Bill Stein, Team AeroShell, Aerostars, Dave Dacy & Wingwalker Tony Kazian, Viper Airshows, Matt Chapman and headlining act Heavy Metal Jet Team.

Gary’s South Shore Air Show will begin at noon and end at 4 p.m. both Saturday, July 16 and Sunday, July 17. Admission to the park is free and parking is available near the beach for $20 per car.

Parking permits and a detailed description of performing acts are available at www.garyairshow.com.