God Help Us, The Air & Water Show Is Back This Weekend
By Stephen Gossett in Arts & Entertainment on Aug 17, 2017 8:27PM
Photo via Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Long before so much all-too-recent nuclear sabre-rattling, the sound of jets screeching just above the city—like that endured during the annual Chicago Air & Water Show—made us pretty jumpy. To be honest, we tend to swing more toward the Sideshow Bob end of the spectrum when it comes to Air Show enthusiasm in general. But it remains an institution, and the annual parachutes-and-planes spectacle is back again this weekend. Here's your (survival) guide if you brave it.
As usual the action is centered at North Avenue Beach. But the action goes down (or up, rather) along the lakefront, from Oak Street through Fullerton Avenue beaches, on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m. both days.
Aside from the always-packed North Avenue spot, the city recommends Ohio Street Beach and any lakefront spot between Oak and Fullerton, if you can manage to finagle, as best-sightline options. Some two million people watch each year, so get there early for any hope of staking a good spot.
Per city ordinance, the Air & Water Show must always feature one beloved former Chicago athlete jumping out of an airplane for your amusement. Last year it was Charles Tillman; this time it'll be former Cubs catcher David Ross. Grandpa Rossy will do his skydiving duty on Saturday in a tandem jump with the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. He lands in front in front of the Boat House at North Avenue Beach shortly after 10 a.m. That's one way to follow up a World Series curse-breaker, we suppose.
Along with the Golden Knights (not to be confused with the new expansion hockey team) your headliners will be the U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs (free-falling at speeds of 120 mph) and, of course, those magnificent men and women in their flying Blue Angel machines. The list of all performers and military teams can be found here.
As for transportation, Metra will boost its train service. If you drive, the city recommends the Millennium Park Garage, which will have free shuttles to North Ave. Beach. Divvy is also offering expanded valet service at the following locations and times, both days:
- Streeter Drive & Grand Avenue (Navy Pier): 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Michigan Avenue & Oak Street: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Theater on the Lake: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Lake Shore Drive & North Boulevard: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sheffield Avenue & Waveland Avenue (Cubs Game): 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Remember, also: booze, BBQ grills, fireworks, pets (aside from service animals), pop-up tents and canopies are all prohibited on festival grounds. So don't bring any contraband, trying to gild the colored-smoke-spewing lily.
As for us, to channel another Simpsons reference, we'll be in a cave with our eyes shut and fingers in our ears. Godspeed—at those ridiculous speeds.