El Toro : Navy Air Show at El Toro Expected to Be Big Draw

The 1985 Navy Relief Air Show, expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors to the Marine Corps Air Station at El Toro next Saturday and Sunday, has base officials preparing for 150,000 cars each day.

A day earlier, on Friday, more than 5,000 special-invitation guests are expected for a dress rehearsal.

Several gate and road closings have been announced, and the Orange County Transit District is planning to operate two shuttle buses to ease traffic.

Buses will leave every 15 minutes from 9 to 10:30 a.m. both days from 6th and Flower streets in Santa Ana and from the Laguna Hills Mall. Return trips will begin at 3:30 p.m. and continue to 5. One-way bus fare is $1.50 for adults, 75 cents for children under 12.

The show begins at 11 a.m.

For those who prefer to drive to the show, directional signs will be posted at the Sand Canyon Avenue exits of the Santa Ana and San Diego freeways. Five parking areas have been set aside for visitors to the show.

On Saturday and Sunday, northbound exit ramps from the Santa Ana Freeway will be closed at Sand Canyon Avenue, Jeffrey Road and Culver Drive from about 2 p.m. until traffic begins to flow normally.

The Commissary Gate will be closed both days. The Main Gate, Gate 9 and a temporary gate at the picnic grounds will open at 9 a.m. All three will be closed to inbound traffic from 2:15 to 5 p.m.

Gate 2 will be open to vehicles with special decals only.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Marine Way in the air station will be closed from 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. between the picnic grounds and the Marine Aircraft Group-11 area and between the golf course and the Marine Wing Support Group-37 area. Irvine Boulevard will be closed between Sand Canyon Avenue and the air station housing area.

As guests of the commanding general, visitors are reminded that political, religious and commercial activities are prohibited.