Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, joined by representatives from ESL Federal Credit Union and Lifetime Assistance Foundation, Inc., today announced that the 2008 ESL International Airshow will be held on July 26th and 27th at the Greater Rochester International Airport (GRIA).

The Thunderbirds, the United States Air Force's Air Demonstration Squadron, will headline this year's airshow. The group previously appeared at the local airshow in 1993 and 2005, and is stationed at the Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The Golden Knights, the official parachute team of the United States Army, will perform as well. Members of the group are stationed at Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

"The Airshow is one of the most highly anticipated events in our community," said Brooks. "We are thrilled that the Thunderbirds and Golden Knights have selected Monroe County and our Greater Rochester International Airport as one of their show sites. 2008 will be the third year that our community has had the opportunity to host the Thunderbirds, and we are looking forward to another great event."

The 2008 airshow will also include military demonstration and civilian aerobatic acts, static military aircraft displays, family entertainment, and food provided by local vendors.

ESL Federal Credit Union is the title sponsor for this year's airshow. The credit union has served as a proud supporter and sponsor for the past three airshows.

"On behalf of everyone at ESL, we are looking forward to another great airshow," said Dave Fiedler, ESL Federal Credit Union CEO. "County residents, both young and old, enjoy the airshow. ESL is pleased to be part of the event for the fourth consecutive year."

A portion of the proceeds from this year's ESL International Airshow will be donated to Lifetime Assistance Foundation, Inc. For the last thirty years, Lifetime Assistance has provided high-quality, comprehensive services to children and adults in our community who face developmental challenges.

"Thanks to continued support from Monroe County, Lifetime Assistance has worked to positively affect the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities in the Greater Rochester area for thirty years," said James Branciforte, Lifetime Assistance Foundation President and CEO."We are very grateful to receive proceeds from this year's airshow because we can put these dollars to good use in our community. We thank ESL and Monroe County for their commitment to our organization and to our mission of helping those in need."

Updated Airshow information, ticket prices and program details can be found on the web at www.eslairshow.com