Chicago Air and Water Show Thrills in the Sky
Daredevil Flight Aerobatics and Stunts on the Windy City Lakefront
Jul 17, 2008
The 50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show brings excitement to the city skies on August 15, 16 and 17, 2008. The highly popular spectacular has been extended to a three day event. The Air and Water Show is a favorite event in the Windy City, becoming a summer tradition. Aviation's top military an civilian pilots perform daredevil stunts over the city skyline. Awe inspired crowds line the city shoreline for the summertime event.
Chicago Air & Water Show Opening Entertainment
New this year is a Friday night show with Chicago natives Bill Murray and Gary Sinise Opening Entertainment and evening concert at North Avenue Beach. The famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team headline the show, along with a surprise entertainment lineup to be announced.. The festivities will be kicked off by the Blue Angels at 3:00 pm, followed by the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team. Immediately following this performance will be a free concert at the North Avenue Beach Boat House. The grand finale of the evening will be a spectacular fireworks display.
One Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, the show is held along the lake front from Fullerton to Oak Street. North avenue Beach is the focal point of the show. Civilian performers include Lima Lima Flight Team, Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, and audience favorite Sean Tucker and Team Oracle. The Saturday and Sunday water show begins at 9:00 am. The air show follows, running form 11:00 am to 4:00 pm both days.
The Chicago Air and Water Show brings excitment to the air over the city skyline. Following is some information about the daredevil acts that thrills the crowds.
- U.S, Navy Blue Angels. This precision aerobatic team has thrilled over 427 million fans with their precision choreographed high altitude performance in the F/A 18 Hornets.
- U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights. The Golden Knights amaze the crowds when they jump of on a aircraft form an elevations 12,500 feet about the surface of the earth. The parachute team races to the ground at speeds exceeding 120 mph.
- F-22 Raptor. The F-22 is the Air Force's newest and most advanced warcraft, with a combination of stealth, supercruise, maneuverability and integrated avionics
- U.S. Navy Leap Frogs Parachute Team. The 15 man team is comprised entirely of U.S. Navy SEAL and SWCC commandos. Leap Frogs jump from aircraft at an altitude of 12,500 feet and free fall at speeds of 120 mph.
- AeroShell Aerobatic Team. The team consists of four pilots flying formation aerobatics in WWII North American Advancer Trainer warbirds.
- The Firebirds. High energy precision formation flying over the lakefront.
- Lima Lima Flight Team. This six plane team performs precision formation flying in the T-34 Mentor.
- Sean Tucker & Team Oracle. Daredevil pilot Sean Tucker catapults across the sky in the Oracle Challenger. Sean Tucker is a 2008 Aviation hall of Fame inductee.
- Shell Extreme Water Show. The water show kicks off at 9:00 am daily with the Liquid X Freestyle Pro Tour and Munson Ski and Inboard Sports Ski Team
The Chicago Air and Water Show is a free event. The show draws a crowd of spectators. Public transportation is recommended to alleviate traffic congestion in the city.
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