THINGS TO DO: Atlanta speedway hosts air show after welcoming hurricane evacuees

Always lots of beautiful aircraft to be seen at the Atlanta Air Show. But did you know you will also have the opportunity to take a ride in one?

Days after the Atlanta Motor Speedway opened up its campground to house Hurricane Michael evacuees, the Henry County site is taking wing.

The two-day Atlanta Air Show began today and continues Sunday at the speedway in Hampton.

Crowds line up at the Atlanta Motor Speedway for the first day of the Atlanta Air Show on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018. 

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Just days ago, the speedway welcomed those fleeing the destructive path of Hurricane Michael to camp for free at its sprawling grounds.

Speedway spokesman Tyler Head said fewer evacuees showed up at the site this week than during Hurricane Irma. Last year, the speedway hosted more than 100 campers trying to get out of Irma's way.

Earlier this year, dozens camped at the speedway to escape Hurricane Florence.

Head estimated only a handful of Hurricane Michael evacuees came to the speedway earlier this week. They have since left.

“(The storm) came in so quick,” he said Saturday. “A lot of people didn’t have the time to roll up here.”

The speedway has transformed this week into what the air show calls an “aerial stadium.” The event features the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo Team and other military and civilian performers.