2009 Air & Water Show Preview
By Benjy Lipsman in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 13, 2009 9:00PM
No, those sounds of fighter jets screaming across the sky we've been hearing all week doesn't signify that we're under attack by our neighbors from across the lake. The ruckus means aircraft are practicing ahead of this weekend's Chicago Air & Water Show, which runs this Saturday and Sunday at North Ave. Beach.
Each day of the free event's schedule runs from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and features demonstrations by a variety of military aricraft as well as performances from the likes of Team Oracle, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. As always, Chicago's WBBM 780 AM will provide live radio coverage of the Air & Water Show.
For those who plan to watch the Air Show, former Chicagoist writer and amateur pilot Todd McClamroch has put together an excellent viewing guide. He recommends trying to watch the show from a boat for the best possible views, and suggests checking out special packages at Castaways to ensure someplace to sit -- of course they'll run you up to $150. If you're willing to sit a little further from the action, Oak St. Beachstro also offers an Air Show package. Otherwise, get to North Ave. beach early to snag your tiny spot of sand, or try setting up camp by one of the nearby harbors. Personally, we plan to heed Todd's "Altitude, Altitude, Altitude" advice and head to our building's 43rd floor rooftop overlooking Lincoln Park to take in the show. We know they're loud, bad for the environment and support the military-industrial complex, but there's something cool about seeing airplanes twist and turn and scream through our skyline so we'll be watching anyway.