Blue Angels headlining this weekend's Dayton Air Show

VANDALIA- The Vectren Dayton Air Show, the annual summer celebration of aviation, will take place Saturday and Sun-day, July 7-8, at the Day-ton International Airport.

The event showcases world-class aerobatic champions, military jet demonstrations and live entertainment. Event officials expect 75,000 people to attend the show.

Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available through www.daytonair show.com, at discount rates at Kroger Co. supermarkets, or at the gate.

Vectren Corp., Kroger and the city of Dayton are among the air show's sponsors.

Blanton Q&A with Senior Capt. Ben C-130 pilot for , Fat Albert Airlines for the Blue United Angels States Navy

Q: The United States Navy Blue Angels will headline the 2012 Vectren Dayton Air Show. What should we expect from this show? A: "The Vectren Dayton Air Show is one of the premier events throughout the years. It's one of the largest and best-known air shows. You're going to see not just the United States Navy Blue Angels but a whole bunch of other performers, some of the top performers in the industry. ... It's going to be kind of an aviation lover's dream."

Q: This Navy flight demonstration squadron has been seen by more than 400 million spectators since its first demonstration in 1946. What will make this performance at the Vectren Dayton Air Show different from all of your past shows? A: "It's one of the premier aviation events in the country. Because of the history, the home of the Wright brothers and the birthplace of aviation, it makes it extra special for us to come back and perform in such a place."

Q: The Vectren Dayton Air Show celebrates Day-ton's aviation heritage as home of the Wright Brothers, National Museum of the United States Air Force and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. Why is it important to you to be a part of this event? A: "We have the unique honor of being able to travel the country and represent active duty Marines as a global force for good. ... We need communities in order to support that mission. There's no better place than Dayton to be able to do that. Most people don't get to see what their men and women in uniform do on a daily basis."

Q: In closing, why would you tell readers they must not miss your performance at this upcoming event? A: "You definitely don't want to miss this air show. ... We really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of something on this scale. And we're very excited to come to Dayton."