From simple beginnings as part of a “Family Day Celebration” in 1959, the show has grown to the oldest and largest free admission air and water exhibition in the United States.  With audience numbers reaching an average of 2.2 million annually, it is one of the largest spectator events in the world.

  The first show was held under the direction of Al Benedict, a Chicago Park District Supervisor at Lakeshore Park.  Held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan, the show was titled the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show, and was a part of a “Family Day” celebration for children enrolled in the Chicago Park District’s day camp program.  The budget was $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition. The following year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team performed to a huge crowd and the event became a Chicago summer tradition. 

  Eventually, the show was renamed the Chicago Park District Air & Water Show, expanded to two days, and moved to its current location at North Avenue Beach.

Corporate sponsorship participation was incorporated in 1989, and now provides substantial support for the production costs of the show.  The Mayor’s Office of Special Events has managed the event since 1994. Year after year, the best of the best take to the skies over Chicago, and spectators on the ground get to enjoy all the action for free thanks to the sponsorship of major corporations like Shell and Boeing.

  The much-anticipated 50^th anniversary show, held on August 15,16, and 17, was certainly an incredible event that included thrilling military and civilian performers, special guests, and three days of nonstop action. With all these elements combined and great weather for the entire weekend, previous attendance records were shattered. Over three million people witnessed the 2008 edition of the Chicago Air and Water Show from lakefront beaches, rooftops, and in thousands of boats on Lake Michigan. In fact, so many boats lined up along the lake that spectators on the beach could not see any water beyond the endless line of boats.

  The show officially kicked off Friday afternoon as the Army Golden Knights and Navy Leap Frogs dropped into show center at Chicago’s North Avenue Beach. Actor and Chicago native, Bill Murray raised money for the USO of Illinois by diving in with the Golden Knights, followed by a thrilling performance by the Blues Angels. The action continued into the night with a concert featuring Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band and a special twilight show to celebrate the milestone event.

  Throughout the weekend, the roar of afterburners rocked the windy city. Both the F-22 Raptor and F-15E Strike Eagle were on hand to put on incredible, jaw dropping routines. They then joined with Vlado Lenoch in his P-51 “Moonbeam McSwine” and the F-4 Phantom Demo Team for an always-emotional Heritage Flight. The F/A-18 Super Hornet from VFA-106 wowed crowds demonstrating the crisp handling and raw power of the rhino. Spectators then got a look at naval aviation history as Paul Wood and the Warbird Heritage Foundation’s T-2 Buckeye joined with the Super Hornet for the Tailhook Legacy Flight. The AV/8B Harrier was also on hand to demonstrate the aircraft’s hovering capabilities and a brief demo. Spectators were quickly on their feet at the unique shape of the B-2 Stealth bomber made it’s way in over Lake Michigan. The B-2, made some of the most memorable passes of the day as family members of the crew waved and cheered. Also providing flybys were an Illinois ANG KC-135 joined by two ANG F-16s, a B-1, a pair of T-38s, and a Coast Guard Rescue Helicopter.

  The Chicago show would not be complete without a star-studded roster of civilian aerobatic performers. The hottest new act on the airshow circuit; The Collaborators, made their first ever appearance at Chicago. The team combines the talents of Sean D Tucker, Ben Freelove, Eric Tucker, and Bill Stein to put on an expertly choreographed, fast paced routine that shows formation flying and high-energy aerobatics at their best. Sean Tucker also performed his dazzling solo routine in the Oracle Challenger. Both the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team and Lima Lima Team thrilled audiences with night and day shows as did Bill Leff in his T-6 Texan. Rounding out the civilian performances were the Firebirds, showcasing the aerobatic talent of Jack Knutson and new Advanced World Aerobatic Champion Rob Holland.

  The Blue Angels wrapped up the show each day. It is always a treat to see the Blues perform at a venue like Chicago, as most of the repositioning maneuvers must be done around the skyline. Chicago organizers certainly knew how to put on a milestone celebration that none would forget. Great performers, great people, great weather, great city, great time… Happy 50^th!