Come early.

Bring lots of water and sunscreen.

Be patient.

That's the advice of Lt. Col. Matt Dana, Open House Coordinator at Hill Air Force Base, speaking about the Open House and Air Show that is to take place on base June 6 and 7, 2009. As many as 400,000 people are expected to attend the free event. "There is no charge for admission," said Dana, "so people are definitely coming. It's a family event." Gates to the event will open at 8:00 a.m. each day. Spectators will be allowed to carry in bags, coolers and chairs, but Dana cautioned that absolutely no weapons will be allowed through security checkpoints. He added: "There will be two lines--one for bag carrying people and one for no-bag people." To ease congestion, attendees at the show are encouraged to use FrontRunner and public transportation. If you do drive onto base, there will be designated parking areas, with shuttle busses running all day. Spectators are strongly encouraged to remember where they parked.

The Air Show will be the culmination of Air Force Week, an event designed to educate the communities of Northern Utah about the Air Force and its purpose, and to thank local citizens for their support of members of the armed forces in general, and the Air Force in particular. Each morning, the open house will kick off with "teaser" acts, featuring miniature replica airplane displays and model aircraft flyers.

The official opening of each day's events will include US Forest Service Smoke Jumpers (scheduled) and Wings of Blue, parachuting in with the US flag. The Wings of Blue are an elite performing jump team from the Air Force Academy Jump Qualifiying School.

After the opening ceremonies, "there will be a flying object in the air until the beginning of the Thunderbirds show," said Dana. The Thunderbirds presentation also has a ground component, featuring a traditional march, salute and starting of the engines.

There are two Saturday-only events: there will be a B-2 stealth bomber fly-by (no landing) and a concert near one of the hangars featuring the Tops in Blue.

Three of the top five civilian performers on the planet will highlight the non-military schedule of the show. Sean Tucker, Greg Poe and Patti Wagstaff, perhaps the best female stunt pilot in the world, will amaze spectators with their daring and skilled acrobatics. "It's just eye-watering what they can do in those planes," said Dana, who literally had to turn away performers from this very popular show.

Among the military aircraft that will appear in the show will be several battle reenactments featuring biplanes from the World War I era, Second World War and Korean war-era jets. There will be several MiG aircraft on ground and air display as well. Spectators will also have the opportunity to see Dan Buchanan perform a hangglider demonstration. Buchanan, who is a paraplegic, will be towed by a truck to get into the air, then will perform stunning feats in his glider.

A local performer will also be featured. Dave Erickson and his "Super Chipmunk" plane will appear in the show. Erickson hangars at Ogden Airport and works on base.

Complete details on the Open House are available online at www.airforceweek.af.mil. Again, it is important to remember that due to huge crowds, arriving early is key. Sunscreen and water are vital. Weapons are OUT. Public transportation is encouraged. See the website for up to the minute information.