Chicago Air and Water Show

The spectacular ‘Chicago Air & and Water Show’ ranks among the most popular events of the US and one of the grandest aviation performances in the entire world. Held on North Avenue Beach, the show is presented by the City of Chicago and Shell Oil Products, US. The gala event would mark its 52nd edition this year starting on 14th August 2010 and wrapping up on the evening of 15th August 2010. The show begins at 11 am and concludes at 4 pm on both days. There is no admission fee to the show and it witnesses massive throngs of crowds every year. In fact, the average number of spectators is some 2.2 million. This astounding number of people who flock to this show speaks volumes about the popularity of this event. After all, no one wants to miss the opportunity of watching stalwart performances put up by death defying dare devils of both civil and military agencies.Historical Background

Chicago Air & Water Show started as part of the ‘Family Day Celebration’ in 1959. The venues were Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan and the event was named Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show. At that time, the show was mainly targeted towards kids enrolled with the day camp programme of the Chicago Park District. Going by the gigantic proportions of the show today, it seems unbelievable that this same event was carried out on a mere budget of US$88. The only featured items were water ballet, water skiing, a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, and diving competition. However, this programme was destined to grow big and the very next year, the US Air Force Thunderbirds and the Golden Knights Parachute Team performed in front of a massive crowd.

Finally, the time came when the show came to be named as the Chicago Park District Air & Water Show and the venue was moved to North Avenue Beach. The year 1989 proved to be a major landmark with the show being opened for corporate sponsorships. Presently, a sizeable portion of the expenses are borne by sponsors. Since 1994, the Chicago Air & Water Show has been under the management of the Mayor’s Office of Special Events.

———————————————————————————————————————– Plan your holidays and book flights to Chicago to experience the thrilling experience of the Air and Water Show 2010. You can now save upto 40% on booking flights and hotels in USAtogether.
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Highlights of the 2010 Show

According to sources, the upcoming events on 14th and 15th of August will exhibit the headliners such as the US Navy Blue Angels, the US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, and the US Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs. Besides, there would be a host of events by civilian performers like Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Lima Lima Flight Team, Sean D. Tucker and Team Oracle, The Firebirds, Bill Stein Airshows, and Red Bull Helicopter. Here is a small take on the headliners.

US Navy Blue Angels

Since 1946, the elite US Navy Blue Angels have been putting up jaw dropping aerobatic performances on F/A-18 Hornets. The awe inspiring diamond formation, precision flying, six jet Delta Formation, and the incredible solo pilot manoeuvres leave one thunder struck.

US Army Parachute Team Golden Knights

These daredevils plunge out of aircrafts from the unbelievable height of 12,500 feet and hurtle down at speeds crossing 120 mph. It is a sight to behold as they open up their parachutes and make perfectly smooth landings. Until now, these guys have enthralled audiences in 48 countries.

US Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs

Not to be outdone by the Army’s Golden Knights, the US Navy’s Leap Frogs put up their own version of nail biting daredevilry. They also jump from 12,500 feet and can reach speeds of up to 180 mph using a manoeuvre called ‘track’, while hurtling towards the earth. Once the parachutes are opened, they accomplish the marvellous feat of flying together in spectacular formations.

Souvenir Programme

If you want to come back with some delightful reminders of this amazing event then buy a copy of the Official Air Show Souvenir Program Package. It features over 200 colour photos, a 72 page Official Souvenir Program, a huge US Navy Blue Angels Poster, 24 Aviation Trading Cards, and a 2010-11 Aviation Calendar.

Sponsors

The Chicago Air and Travel Show boasts a long list of sponsors which apart from Shell Oil Products, the Presenting Sponsor includes The Boeing Company, ABC 7 Chicago, Chicago Tribune, WBBM Newsradio 780, American Airlines, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Oracle, Hinckley Springs, LaGrou Distribution System, M*M Graphics, Pepsi-Cola, Bud Light, Chicago Transit Authority, Communications Direct, Gallo Wines.

Useful Information

• One is allowed to bring in a cooler, blanket and chairs.
• The list of prohibited items include alcoholic drinks, open flames BBQ Grills, fireworks and explosives, weapons and illegal items, pop-up tents or canopies, flag poles, beach and picnic umbrellas, and pets.
• Every single container carried by you is subject to search.
• The events are not fixed. The programme would be determined by the pilots on the basis of weather conditions and other necessary considerations.
• This year round, the air and water shows have been merged together to bring about a single show that would run from 11 am to 4 pm on both days.