CHICAGO (WLS) — A deafening roar and an aerial choreography of outstanding aircraft provided thousands of spectators of all ages with great sights and sounds on Saturday.
“This is our first vacation to Chicago and we love it. We’ve never been to Lake Michigan,” said Melissa, who is visiting Chicago.
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People lined up along the lakefront for the 64th 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 lie out here on the beach and watch the planes fly?” says Eleanor Henderson, visiting from Atlanta.
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“I would have to come here for the weekend to escape the heat and humidity of Atlanta. And my son is really into flying and wants to be a pilot one day,” said Brad Kovacik, also visiting from Atlanta.
For some Chicagoans, like Chandler Salomon from the Chatham neighborhood, it’s even their first visit. But he’s learned enough from afar to get a good seat.
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“So this is the first time that I was actually two hours early and still managed to make it,” said Salomon. “If you come on time, you have no chance.”
And for the show’s narrator, Herb Hunter, his 37 years as the voice behind the dazzling fun reach new heights every year.
“Oh, I’m really excited. I love it,” Hunter said. “I just tried to speak from my heart, and I’m an emotional guy. The emotions come out. That’s just how it is. I’ve loved it all these years. It’s been great.”
The grand finale featured legendary tricks from the Blue Angels. The Blue Angels weaved through the clear skies and provided a breathtaking sight that will never be forgotten on the first day of the weekend show.
The second day of the Chicago Air and Water Show is already scheduled for Sunday. It starts at 10:30 a.m., and because of traffic and large crowds, you should get there as early as possible.
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The event is not the only one that ensures a busy weekend in Chicago.
It won’t be hard to find good music 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 a nice opportunity for everyone to come here because most Pride events are in June,” said Chicago resident Miguel Rodriguez. “So it’s a great opportunity to come here and meet people and socialize.”
The street festival with live music once again brings hundreds of people together with the LGBTQ+ community and there are more than 250 vendors on site.
“I love the fact that you can go out here, be yourself and have fun,” said Greg Jagemann, who is visiting from Wisconsin. “It’s just the atmosphere of a street fair, so I have a great time.”
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