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Chicago Air & Water Show facts for kids
| Chicago Air & Water Show | |
|---|---|
Military aircraft perform over Lake Michigan
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| Genre | Air show |
| Dates | every August |
| Frequency | Annually |
| Location(s) | Chicago, Illinois |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1959 |
| Organized by | Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events |
The Chicago Air & Water Show is a huge yearly event. It takes place on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. This show is Chicago's second most popular festival. It has happened every year since 1959. In 2005, over 2 million people came to watch. The City of Chicago presents it. It is the biggest free show of its kind in the United States.
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What Can You See at the Show?
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The Blue Angels fly over the city in 2019.
The Air & Water Show is a free event. It features amazing pilots who do daring stunts. You can also see parachute teams and jets flying in cool formations. There are also water-skiing and boat-jumping demonstrations.
The show is visible from almost anywhere along the Chicago lakefront. This is because it is so close to the city beaches and skyline. You can find special seats for the water show at North Avenue Beach. A radio station, WBBM AM (780), broadcasts the event each year.
Both civilian and military pilots perform. Flight teams have been sponsored by companies like Oracle and Red Bull. Many performers use the Gary/Chicago International Airport in nearby Gary, Indiana. This airport helps them with ground support. The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team often participates. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds are main attractions. They take turns headlining the show each year.
How Did the Show Start?
The show first happened in 1959. It was called the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show. It started with a small budget of only $88. The first show included a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration. There were also water skiers, a water ballet, games, and a diving contest. The next year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team joined in.
Since 1989, companies have helped pay for the show. This helps cover the costs of putting on such a big event. The Mayor's Office of Special Events has managed the show since 1994.
In 2020, the show was canceled. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Special 50th Anniversary Show (2008)
In 2008, the show celebrated its 50th anniversary. It was extended from two days to three days. Friday, which was usually a practice day, became part of the official performances. Famous actress Florence Henderson sang the American national anthem. Actor Bill Murray parachuted into the event with the Golden Knights. He did this to support the United Service Organization. Another actor, Gary Sinise, performed a live concert with his band. The concert ended with a B-1 bomber flying by and fireworks. Many people came to this special show. It was estimated that about 3.1 million people attended.
How Do They Keep Everyone Safe?
Planes take off and land at Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana. All pilots perform their stunts over the water. This is done in a special "safety box" area. This area goes from the lakefront shoreline out into Lake Michigan. Boats and kayakers often gather here for a different view.
Organizers work closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They also work with city departments on safety rules. Every day, before flying, all pilots and air staff have meetings. They get updates on weather and safety. The event also has its own air traffic controller. This person watches over the downtown airspace during the show hours.
In 2005, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds stopped their show early. During a stunt, two planes touched slightly. A small part of one plane broke off. The other plane got a scratch. No one was hurt. But the show was stopped, and the planes returned to the airport. The Thunderbirds did not perform the next day.
For the audience, people can bring picnic blankets, chairs, and coolers. However, some items are not allowed. These include grills, fireworks, alcohol, tents, balloons, weapons, kites, flagpoles, and pets. Service animals are allowed.