Residents in Buckeye will get a special chance to look up and celebrate Independence Day today when jets from Luke Air Force Base soar overhead as part of a Valley-wide Fourth of July flyover celebration.
“The 308th Fighter Squadron from the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base is honored to conduct a flyover across 14 cities on July 4th, celebrating Independence Day,” squadron spokesperson Jenna Bigham said, in a statement. “Whether residents see us at a planned event or catch a glimpse en route, we hope they enjoy the display and know how much we appreciate their unwavering support.”
The flyover tradition will include a pass above the Buckeye Municipal Airport, giving local families a front-row view of the display. Luke Air Force Base officials said the flyovers are their way of thanking the community for its continued support and showcasing the skills of the pilots who train at the base just east of Buckeye.
Residents are encouraged to gather safely near the airport or in other open areas where they can view the jets as they fly by. The flyovers are expected to begin around 5 p.m., with pilots making their rounds to Buckeye at around 6:45 p.m. The Friday event runs through the evening, with the squadron visiting 14 cities across the Valley.
In case you're out of town, the jets will also fly over Peoria, Goodyear, Avondale, Tolleson, Phoenix, Mesa, Maricopa, Wickenburg, Prescott, Cottonwood, Payson, Fountain Hills and Surprise.
Here is the complete list of flyover times and locations, according to Luke Air Force Base:
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Peoria: Peoria Sports Complex, 6:15–6:25 p.m.
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Goodyear: Goodyear Ballpark, 6:19–6:29 p.m.
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Avondale: Phoenix Raceway, 6:23–6:33 p.m.
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Tolleson: Tolleson Veteran’s Park, 6:24–6:34 p.m.
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Phoenix: Steele Indian School Park, 6:25–6:35 p.m.
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Mesa: Mesa Convention Center, 6:29–6:39 p.m.
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Maricopa: Copper Sky Regional Park, 6:36–6:46 p.m.
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Buckeye: Buckeye Municipal Airport, 6:45–6:55 p.m.
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Wickenburg: Sunset Park, 6:50–7:00 p.m.
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Prescott: Watson Lake Park, 7:02–7:12 p.m.
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Cottonwood: Cottonwood Airport, 7:05–7:15 p.m.
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Payson: Green Valley Park, 7:15–7:25 p.m.
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Fountain Hills: Fountain Park, 7:24–7:34 p.m.
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Surprise: Surprise Community Park, 7:34–7:44 p.m.
Flyover times may change based on weather or other factors. Buckeye residents can check Luke Air Force Base’s social media for updates or follow the city’s Independence Day event page for local details.
