Chicago, brace yourselves for an adrenaline-packed weekend as the iconic Air and Water Show returns, filling the skies and waters with dazzling performances and thrilling stunts. 🎉
📅 Event Details:
- When: Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Where: From Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street, with North Avenue Beach as the show’s epicenter.
- Bonus: Rehearsals on Friday if you want an early peek! 👀
🎟️ What to Expect:
This year’s lineup features a stellar mix of returning legends and new faces ready to wow the crowd:
- Headliners:
- U.S. Navy Blue Angels: Watch the oldest flight demonstration squadron in the U.S. roar across the sky in their F/A-18E Super Hornets. 🛫💥
- U.S. Army Golden Knights: These elite parachutists will leap from 12,000 feet, landing with precision on North Avenue Beach. 🪂
- Newcomers:
- Stunt Pilot RJ Gritter: Bringing jaw-dropping acrobatics with his Decathlon 150 CS.
- Trojan Phlyers: Showcasing historical T-28B aircraft in a nostalgic display of aviation history. ✈️
- Military Performers: Expect to see an impressive array of military aircraft, including:
- U.S. Navy F-35C
- U.S. Marine Corps F-35B
- U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III
- U.S. Army AH-64 Apache
- And many more!
- Civilian Stunt Pilots: The lineup includes incredible talents like:
- Bill Stein with the Edge 540
- Kevin Coleman, the Red Bull aerobatic pilot
- Susan Dacy flying her iconic Big Red Stearman biplane
- Ed “Hamster” Hamill in the Folds of Honor biplane
🚍 Getting There:
- Public Transport: CTA is your best bet! Expect rerouted buses, like the 72, to accommodate the crowds.
- Parking: No lakefront parking, but Millennium Park Garages offer discounted rates with shuttle service to DuSable Lake Shore Drive. 🅿️🚗
- Pro Tip: Arrive early and consider biking or walking to avoid traffic and find the best spot. 🌳🚶♀️
🎙️ The Voice of the Show:
Herb Hunter, the beloved “Voice of the Air and Water Show” for over 35 years, will once again guide you through the heart-stopping action. Tune into WBBM Newsradio 780/105.9 for live commentary throughout the weekend.
🌟 Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a first-time attendee, the Chicago Air and Water Show promises a weekend full of excitement and awe. Don’t miss out on this iconic event that celebrates the best in aerial and aquatic performances!
See you at the beach, Chicago! 🌞🌊