Air & Water Show Returns

Benjy Lipsman

If you're anywhere near downtown or the near north side this morning, you may already hear the roar of jets as practice flights are underway for the 53rd annual 2011 Chicago Air & Water Show this weekend. About 2 million people are expected at North Ave. Beach to watch the show, which is free to the public and the largest show of its kind.

The Air & Water Show runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with virtually the same show each day. Both days features boat demonstrations, daredevil pilots performing wild stunts and a wide range of historic and current military jets on display. The show highlights include the Oracle stunt bi-plane, U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Former Chicagoisto Todd McClamroch, who has even had a chance to fly with some of the show's performers, also offers a preview of the weekend's performers.

The air show is certainly not without its controversy. While many enjoy the spectacle, others take issue with the noise, massive crowds, the wasteful fuel consumption and the fact that much of the show is a military recruitment vehicle -- almost a live "Yvan Eht Nioj" music video. If the showcase of American military might in the sky wasn't enough, a walk along North Avenue beach will confirm, as recruiters try to lure in potential recruits to their booths.

Still, there's something awesome about the roar of jets zooming by in precision, a few feet apart, at least when we know were safely in Chicago and not hunkered down in Baghdad. We'll be watching both days, having managed access to two different high rise rooftops to take in the show.

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By Benjy Lipsman in Arts & Events on August 18, 2011 10:00 AM

Comments [rss]

Niles Baranowski

I hate this thing. I can't believe that I'm not allowed to bring 4 ounces of shampoo on a plane, but the US Government is actively flying fighter jets at high speed over my house, just to show how virile the US military is. Way to show us how seriously you take national security, guys. Great job.

Todd McClamroch

Benjy, thanks for the link. I love this time of year.

ChicagoD

USA! USA!

snoopoz

It's an air show! Yes, I suppose it could be used as a recruitment tool for the military, but the vast majority of people who go to this just like to see airplanes, helicopters, and people jumping out of the same. I highly doubt the air show is going to be the sole motivating factor when someone decides to join the Air Force, which, by the way, is not the same as signing up to be in the Imperial Navy, or whatever the people who run the Death Star are called.

Mimihaha

I fucking hate the fucking Air and Water Show so much it isn't fucking funny. I just saw one of those clowns almost clip the Hancock. Assholes.

ChicagoD

I retrospect, your hatred is kind of acting as a springboard for humor . . .

Pinco Pallino

"I just saw one of those clowns almost clip the Hancock. Assholes."

Yea...no you didn't. You may THINK that they almost clipped the Hancock, but, in reality, they weren't that close.

Mimihaha

I don't care if they really weren't as close as it looked. They were still too close. And they're still assholes.

snoopoz

Sure, buzzing the tower may seem funny, but that was a $3 americano from Intelligensia!

ReverendSlappy

I WANT SOME BUTTS!

Prescott Carlson

God dammit, Maverick!

Navin_Johnson

C'mon Mimihaha, it's called "the danger zone" for a reason.

alizafrabs

omg okay, that explains why i feel like i'm back at home in dc. this noise is still freaking me outtttt. i used to live an hour away from andrews air force, you'd think i'd be used to this sound by now...