59th Chicago Air and Water Show gets underway Saturday
CHICAGO (WLS) -- The 59th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show got underway Saturday morning with a big crowd gathered at North Avenue Beach.
Anticipation has been building the last two days with jets roaring over North Avenue Beach and the surrounding area as they practice their stunts. Saturday is the official first day of the two-day show.
The headliners include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the Navy Leap Frogs, the F-22 demonstration team, and the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights.
There is no Air and Water Show schedule because pilots decide the day of if conditions are right for flying. Former Cubs catcher David Ross opened the show with a tandem jump with the Golden Knights.
The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs said to expect roughly the same program both Saturday and Sunday.
One family got out to North Avenue Beach bright and early to secure their spot.
"Been doing this for the last 40 years, when they used to do it over on Lake Shore Drive over by Navy Pier, we used to come down here when I was a kid, and keeping this tradition going. Forty years strong, we're still here," said Kevin Carter.
Carter and his family were out at the beach at 6 a.m. He said his family looks forward to the Air and Water Show like they look forward to Thanksgiving.
The thrilling, high-powered tradition is in its 59th year. You can watch the Air and Water Show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on ABC7Chicago.com.
ABC7 will feature several stories this week leading up to the Chicago Air and Water Show. For more information about watching the show, CLICK HERE.
