HOLLISTER, Mo. -- The first annual Branson Air Show takes flight Friday, and flies through the weekend.  It will feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, among many others.  It's all to mark the opening of the new Branson Airport. 

There's still some work to be done on the private commercial airport to get it ready for its opening on Monday but, in the meantime, the air show could draw tens of thousands of spectators. The field is ready, the tents are up and the planes are in place.

"No better way to open up a brand new airport than have a world class air show," says airport spokesman Gene Conrad.

He expects some 60,000 people starting Friday.

"We have the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds here with us, U.S. Army Golden Knights, 13 civilian performers, a Canadian F-18, a Tech Demo, so we have a little international flavor down here for our air show this weekend," said Conrad.

It's certain to be a spectacular way to welcome the new airport, the nation's first commercial airport to be built entirely with private money. When it opens Monday, airlines will offer round trip flights to Dallas, Minneapolis, Atlanta and Milwaukee.

"They're (customers) going to go out there and they're going to shop and, if we have the lower fares, we hope they choose our airport," said Conrad.

So, whether or not you'll fly Branson, they're hoping you'll at least watch them take flight.  The airport is east of U.S. 65, south of Hollister.

"Just follow the flag people and we'll take care of everybody," said Conrad.

For tickets, prices, and schedules, click here: Branson Air Show