One of my favorite events of summer is when amazing aircrafts can be seen flying over the Chicago skyline and the lakefront. I learned a few years ago that the best time to enjoy the Chicago Air and Water Show (#1 on the List of 50 Ideas for Summer Fun) is during the Friday practice day. So, I packed the kids up with some beach gear and we headed to North Avenue Beach on August 17th. We found parking in the Lincoln Park Zoo parking lot and while we made our way to the bridge to walk over Lake Shore Drive, we saw parachuters sailing through the sky. First out were the U.S. Army Parachute Team, The Golden Knights. By the time we got to the beach and got ourselves situated the U.S. Navy Parachute Team, The Leap Frogs were making the jump.
It was a rather cloudy morning, but I was keeping my fingers crossed that the weather would improve. I had not yet been let down by a Friday Practice Show. Next up were the Firebirds Delta Team.
At this point the kids made themselves a nice “sand couch” to sit back and enjoy the show.
The U.S. Coast Guard was next and showed off their rescuing skills.
With the cloud cover not letting up, it became rather difficult to get descent pictures of the planes. But, as long as they were flying by, I was clicking away. Sean D. Tucker and Team Oracle buzzed by the U.S. Coast Guard. The Aeroshell Aerobatic Team were the last ones out before a lengthy break was taken. The hope was, the cloudy conditions would improve.
While we waited, we had lunch and the kids continued to play in the water and partake in some sandcastle making.
When the show resumed, it was the Chicago Police and Fire Department’s turn to wow the crowd.
The F-35 roared in and it was not alone. As part of the Heritage Flight, the F-35 was paired with a World War II aircraft.
It was then the U.S Navy F-18’s turn to get the crowd’s adrenaline going and it was successful. Going supersonic was a real crowd pleaser.
The final act before the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds arrived, included Bill Stein Aerosport, the Firebirds and Matt Chapman (Embry Riddle). Wouldn’t you know, the blue skies started to show themselves.
Finally, it was time! The moment the crowd was looking forward to all day. The U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds were announced and on their way. Everyone started to look to the sky. Straining their eyes and trying to figure out from which direction they would come. After, what seemed like an eternity, they were spotted over the lake. It was show time!
While I was photographing the action, Riley was nice enough to grab a video.
For close to 30 minutes the Thunderbirds thrilled the crowd and as quickly as they arrived, they were gone in seconds. Until 2020, Thunderbirds! Thanks for another fantastic Friday Practice Show!
Sharon Gaietto Photography 