Chicago Air and Water Show 2023
Chicago Air and Water show returned this year from August 19 to the 20th. Hosted by the city of Chicago, it’s the largest show without cost in the U.S. Chicagoans viewed the show over Lake Michigan.
It was a fantastic event in the city. Furthermore, its free and numerous families popped out to spend a day in the downtown atmosphere and the beach and spectate planes flying over water. It’s expected that at least two million people came downtown to watch the show. Planes performed stunts over water in a safety area. The event made use of it’s own air traffic controller to manage and supervise the air space downtown during show hours. Equally Important, the city’s Air and Water show is managed in a cautious and careful.
In addition, audiences saw fantastic presentations by first-rate military and civilian teams flying over the city’s skyline. that participated in the show took off from Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, and performed stunts over a single section of Lake Michigan. Radio Station, WBBM News Radio 780/105.9, broadcasted the event live.
Air and Water Show’s History
This event started as a “Family Day” celebration for youth apart of the Chicago Park District’s day camp program. The budget for this event was $88. Coast Guard Sea Rescue demonstration and diving competitions were shown. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team put on a show for a huge crowd in 1960. This impacted the event to become a summer tradition in the city. The Thunderbirds have also been flying since 1953.
The Impact of Today
It’s grown so big today that it makes use of its own air traffic supervisor who supervises the sky capacity downtown. Planes usually soar the the city’s skyline back to the show area or the airport.
Teams hyped up crowds with impressive stunts and solo flying piloting F-16C Fighting Falcons. The event featured a variety of army and civvy performers. It also showcased stunt demonstration teams with first-rate pilots showcasing their aerobatic movements over the city’s lakefront.
Herb Hunter, the “Voice of the Air and Water Show” for 36 years, returned to narrate and give analysis’s to the spectators through each entertainer’s stunt performance. “It displays the heart and soul of the wonderful city of Chicago,” Hunter said. The event fits well for a huge and populated city like this one.
This Year’s Lineup
2023’s Headliners and Military Lineup included the US Air Force Thunderbirds, US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, US Air Force F-16 Viper Demo Team, and more. The civilian performers included Susan Dacy, Bill Stein, Kevin Coleman, and more. 10:30 a.m./3:00 p.m. was the time schedule for the weekend. The Thunderbirds performed at 2:15 p.m. for about 45 minutes each day. This was their first performance since 2018.
Rundown of the Transportation
Those who attended the show used public transportation due to there being no street parking available at the beach. The CTA’s number 72 bus that regularly stops at North Ave Beach was diverted. Discounted pre-purchased parking was available at the Millennium Park Garages along with shuttle busses.
By Kam’ron Stinson
ALLEVENTS in Chicago: Chicago Air and Water Show 2023
NBC CHICAGO: Your Guide to the 2023 Chicago Air and Water Show: Schedule, lineup and more
CHIFF.COM: Chicago Air & Water Show, Schedule, Directions & Information
Top and Featured Image Courtesy of Tony‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Insert Image (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Spencer Roberts/Released) Courtesy of U.S. Pacific Fleet‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
