Chicago Air & Water Show

The Chicago Air & Water Show,

originating in 1959, is Chicago's second most popular festival. In 2005, 2,200,000 watched the Chicago Air and Water Show. Strong in tradition and one of the world's premier aviation events, the show also includes a wide array of military and civilian acts. It is the largest free show of its kind.

Attractions

The air show is a free event that showcases daredevil pilots, parachute teams, and jets flying in formation, as well as a water-skiing and boat-jumping component. Because of its proximity to city beaches and skyline, the demonstrations are visible from almost everywhere along the Chicago lakefront. Grandstand seats for the water show are located at North Avenue Beach, but some of the best viewing points are farther north, at Montrose Harbor and between Belmont and Addison.

The air show features the most prestigious civilian and military pilots displaying their flying skills including several corporate sponsored teams from Oracle and Red Bull. Many of the Air Show performers utilize Chicago's third airport, the Gary/Chicago International Airport in nearby Gary, Indiana, for ground support and landing strip use. The U.S. Army Golden Knights have participated each year for several years running. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds alternate annually as headliners.

The 2008 50th Anniversary Show

In 2008 the city celebrated the 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show over three days instead of the traditional two days. This marked the first time in the show's history that a third day was added. The Friday show, which is typically an unofficial preview/rehearsal show, became a part of the scheduled performances. Actress Florence Henderson opened the airshow with the singing of the American National Anthem. Actor-comedian Bill Murray made a grand entry with the Golden Knights as he continued his efforts to support the United Service Organization. Steppenwolf Theatre alum and Academy Award nominee Gary Sinese performed a live concert with his Lt. Dan Band. The concert concluded with a B-1 bomber fly-by and an evening of fireworks. Several freestyle jet skiers also competed at 2008 show. LXF Pro Tour champion Gary Burtka lead Team Twangled team mates Greg Brock, Mike Hoffman, and Michael Niksic. The Mayor's Office of Special Events estimated that the show drew a record crowd of approximately 3.1 million spectators.

Safety Precautions

The Chicago Air & Water Show is conducted in a safe and conscientious way. Safety precautions are taken at all times before, during and after the show. Aircraft take off and land at Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana. All pilots perform stunts over the water in a set area known as a "safety box". This area extends from the lakefront shoreline out to a section on Lake Michigan where recreational boats and kayakers line up for an alternate vantage point.

Organizers work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and various city departments to assure the safety of the all involved. All pilots and air personnel must attend morning meetings each day before flying to receive up-to-date information about weather and pertinent details to assure safe flights. Additionally, the event employs its own air traffic controller who oversees the downtown air space during show hours.

As an example of this concern for and commitment to viewer safety, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds ended their demonstration halfway through their routine on the first day of the 2005 air show. During a diamond formation slow-roll pass, the tip of the missile rail on the right wing of the slot (#4) aircraft contacted the left stabilator of the right (#3) aircraft. A four-foot section of the missile rail snapped off, while the #3 aircraft sustained damage described by one of the Thunderbirds pilots as a "medium deep scratch" to the red paint of the stabilator. Amateur video later broadcast on local television news programs showed the missile rail falling into the safety box. While there were no injuries and the aircraft remained apparently flight-worthy, the demonstration was immediately terminated, all aircraft returned to Gary International Airport, and the Thunderbirds did not return for the second day's demonstration.

History

In 1959 the first show was held under the direction of Al Benedict, a Chicago Park District Supervisor at Lakeshore Park. Held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan, the show was titled the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show, and was a part of a “Family Day” celebration for children enrolled in the Chicago Park District’s day camp program. The budget was $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition.

The following year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team performed to a huge crowd and the event became a Chicago summer tradition.

Eventually, the show was renamed the Chicago Park District Air & Water Show, expanded to two days, and moved to its current location at North Avenue Beach. Corporate sponsorship participation was incorporated in 1989, and now provides substantial support for the production costs of the show. The event has been managed by the Mayor’s Office of Special Events since 1994.

(source:wikipedia)