CLEVELAND — The Cleveland National Air Show is celebrating its 60th anniversary this weekend, with the skies over Lake Erie set to thrill audiences once again.

Kyle Franklin has been captivating crowds for years. Franklin, who learned to fly at the age of 8, continues to fly the same plane he trained on as a child. 

"Well with my family, I’m third-generation pilot, second-generation air show," Franklin explained. "My entire family is full of pilots — everyone from my grandmother to my mother.”

Franklin, along with his wife, newborn baby and pets, travels the country as part of Franklin's Flying Circus, performing at airshows across multiple states, including Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee and Texas. This weekend, they are set to perform at the Cleveland National Air Show.

"What I enjoy most about performing and the airshow world is the actual performing," Franklin said. "I enjoy flying, but I enjoy being an entertainer more than anything else. Over the years, all of my acts have featured me as different characters, rather than just Kyle Franklin."

Kim Dell, the executive director of the Cleveland National Air Show, highlighted the event's rich history.

"We are one of the oldest airshows in the country," Dell said. "This year, we are featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, who will fly all three days.”

The air show attracts a global audience.

"Last year, our ticketing database showed attendees from 45 states and seven countries," Dell said.

Franklin expressed his love for the Cleveland venue.

"I love being on the water, the view of the skyscrapers in the background and the people here — it’s a lot of fun,” he said. “It’s a great venue to perform at, with great performers, and we always enjoy coming back."

Tickets and on-site parking for the event are available only in advance online. There will be no gate sales.