Into the Wild Blue Yonder - Chicago Air & Water Show

By Todd McClamroch in News on Aug 17, 2006 7:20PM

Anyone working downtown realized today that the 48th Annual Air & Water Show is this weekend. Aircraft participating in this year's event started roaring up and down the lakeshore today in preparation for this weekend's show. Chicagoist had the opportunity fly with the AeroShell Aerobatic Team this morning to check out the pilots to ensure they were ready for the show.

The AeroShell Team is comprised of four T-6 Texans and four planes used to train military pilots for World War II. Chicagoist was able to hold down lunch through several loops and a barrel roll and deems this team ready for prime time action on Saturday.

This year's event will also feature the United States Navy's performance team, the Blue Angels, flying in their F/A-18 Fighting Hornets. The U.S. Army will be represented by the Golden Knights Parachute team. There are several great civilian acts in addition to the AeroShell team including the Red Baron Pizza Squadron, SeanTucker and Team Oracle. Also performing will the Lima Lima Flight Squadron which is comprised mostly of local pilots. Chicagoist thoroughly enjoyed flying with them in their T-34's last year.

The Chicago Air & Water Show is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. Show center is at North Avenue Beach but the show can be enjoyed from along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street beach or, if you are lucky, from a boat on Lake Michigan. The show begins each day at 9 A.M with the water show. The Air Show roars to life at 11 a.m. and continues until 4 p.m. both Saturday, August 19 and Sunday, August 20. The weather looks to be nice so get outside and enjoy the show!

Check out photos from the event on Flickr or a video on YouTube.