Thousands flock to North Avenue Beach to watch Blue Angels at 64th annual Chicago Air and Water Show
Busy weekend in Chicago also includes Northalsted Market Days, Bud Billiken Parade
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Ear-catching roars and aerial choreography from stellar aircrafts provided all the sights and sounds to thousands of spectators of all ages on Saturday.
"We're on our first vacation to Chicago, and we love it. We've never been to Lake Michigan," said Melissa, who is visiting Chicago.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
People lined up along the Lakefront for the 64th annual Chicago Air and Water Show, which brought many to the Windy City for the first time.
"It's a beautiful day in Chicago. Who wouldn't want to be out here on the beach, watching planes fly around?" said Eleanor Henderson, who is visiting from Atlanta.
SEE ALSO | Chicago Air & Water Show 2024: Parking, transit, full lineup, prohibited items and more
"I'd have to come up for the weekend, get away from the heat and humidity of Atlanta. And my son is super into flying, wants to become a pilot one day," said Brad Kovacik, who is also visiting from Atlanta.
It is even a first time visit for some Chicagoans like Chandler Salomon from the Chatham neighborhood. But he has learned enough from a distance to get a good spot.
READ MORE | ABC7's Christian Piekos skydives with US Army Golden Knights ahead of Chicago Air and Water Show
"So, this is my first time actually being two hours early and making it in," Salomon said. "There's no way to make it if you come on time."
And for the show's narrator, Herb Hunter, his 37 years of being the voice behind the eye-boggling fun takes on new heights each and every year.
"Oh, I do get a thrill. I love it," Hunter said. "I just tried to talk with my heart and I'm an emotional guy. The emotion comes out. It's just the way it is. So I've loved it for all these years. It's been great."
Iconic tricks from the Blue Angels marked the grand finale. The Blue Angels weaved through the clear skies, serving up an eye-boggling view to remember for day one of the weekend show.
Sunday is already set for day two of the Chicago Air and Water Show. It starts at 10:30 a.m., and because of traffic and the large crowds, you are going to want to get there as early as possible.
RELATED | ABC7 reporter Maher Kawash flies with US Navy Blue Angels ahead of Chicago Air and Water Show
The event is not the only one making for a busy Chicago weekend.
A good tune won't be hard to come by in Lakeview this weekend as Northalsted Market Days returns to the North Side.
"It's like a Pride event outside of June, so it's kind of a nice opportunity for everybody to get here because most Pride events take place in June," Chicago resident Miguel Rodriguez said. "So, it's a great opportunity to come out here, meet people, make connections."
The live music street festival is once again bringing hundreds of people together with the LGBTQ+ community, and there are more than 250 vendors on hand.
"I love the fact that you can get out here, be yourself, have fun," said Greg Jagemann, who is visiting from Wisconsin. "It is just the block party atmosphere, so I'm having a good time."
