Annual Chicago Air and Water Show

By Elizabeth Buczak - Editorial Intern

It’s that time again!!!! Chicago’s oldest show, attracting millions of tourists and spectators each year, is flying into town! As the city cools off with a string of 70-degree weather, it might be the coolest Air and Water Show that North Avenue Beach has ever seen. The FREE event, presented by Shell Oil Products U.S, can be viewed at North Avenue Beach and along the lakefront from Fullerton Street to Oak Street, August 18-19, 2012. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and close off at 3 p.m., with no shortage of attractions! This years headliners are the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs, as well as performances by the Aeroshell Aerobatic Team, Bill Stein Airshows Zivko Edge 540 and much more!

While most people just gaze up at the sky, why not use this time for some pleasure mixed with fun?? There are a ton of things to do in the city while watching the show. The beach has a sweet set up for those fit and active volleyball players. A jog or a bike ride could be exciting if you avoid the crowds right by the beach. For the romantics, a blanket goes hand-in-hand with a picnic basket for an eventful lunch date. For those attending with families, Lincoln Park Zoo offers a lot to keep the children entertained while you watch the aircrafts whizz by. Sightseeing at Navy Pier or Millennium Park might not obstruct the view a bit, but if you are new to the city, it could be well worth the trip! 

Finding parking in the city can be a hassle on normal days and with so many people coming into the city to attend the show, we highly discourage driving.  If you must drive, we advise you to leave extra early as to avoid a cluster of traffic. Millennium Garages are offering all-day parking for $35 with a free shuttle bus to North Avenue Beach. The Lincoln Park/ North Avenue Beach parking lot just off Lake Shore Drive is also offering a limited amount of parking. For those of you trying to save a buck or two, the CTA 151, 156, 22 or 36 busses will do the trick.  The Brown Line with a stop at Sedgewick also will get you to your destination, sans the stress.