CHICAGO (WLS) -- Despite delays due to weather, the 2026 Chicago Air and Water Show brought thousands of spectators to the city.
The US Air Force Thunderbirds and US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights will headline this year's show.
The schedule is decided the morning of the show by the pilots.
Visit www.chicago.gov for the full lineup.
As the U.S. Air Force thunderbirds went up for their practice Friday, they took a hometown hero with them.
Ashley Huizar was able to take flight Friday afternoon.
She's a nurse who is credited with helping to save another person's life after a crash.
Cloudy conditions limited some practice runs ahead of this weekend's Chicago Air and Water Show, but thousands of spectators still turned out to watch a preview at North Avenue Beach.
"The weekends (are) crazy. Coming out and trying to get here is crazy," Raymond Souchet said. "And this way, you get a chance to sit. Look at the beach; you can sit anywhere and get a comfortable space and get a chance to watch everybody."
For much of the day, clouds hung low over the lakefront.
Still, many beachgoers enjoyed the day.
"I do like the fighter jets; I'm partial to those," Adam Brown said.
He traveled from downstate Illinois with his wife and children.
"Aerobatics are fun to watch, as well; so if small planes get up there and have a chance to show us what they can do, that would be awesome," he said.
ABC7 AccuWeather Meteorologist Greg Dutra was set to jump out of a plane with the U.S. Army Golden Knights on Friday, but the jump has been canceled due to weather conditions.
This comes as possible storms could impact the show this weekend.
The ABC7 morning team had some fun on North Avenue Beach as they waited for Friday's practice to begin.
