Organizers from this year’s Chicago Air and Water Show had to delay the spectacle because of several thunderstorms and heavy morning rains. The reschedule was announced via social media.
The annual event is celebrated every summer as a tradition of the city for over fifty years. Goers can enjoy a two-day event without any cost with their families on Lake Michigan.
The event first started as a part of “Family Day Celebration” in 1959 but slowly grew to be one of the city’s largest events and traditions.
This year’s event takes place from August 20th until the next day at 3 p.m; the starting time was set at ten a.m. but due to bad weather organizers had to change the schedule for over an hour.
On Saturday morning Chicago’s National Weather Service announced a flood warning after heavy rains arrived at the city’s downtown. Officials later warned drivers about flooded roads.
“We have a slight delay, but conditions are improving, as soon as we get a break in the weather, we’ll get the show started,” said a Mary Mary, spokeswoman for the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Small delay
Officials announced the event would start around 11:15 a.m, but warned event-goers to stay alerted on social media for new announcements. The opening ceremony will be followed by the 4CE show and the A4-Skyhawk show, the Chicago Fire Department will be the third ones to hit the sky followed by the Aerostars.
The annual celebration holds the attention of over two million people per year according to the event’s website. Families tend to camp early in the morning to get a better view of the show.
The main attractions are the demonstrations of military aircraft and parachute teams, meanwhile, event-goers enjoy a nice day out on the grass.
This year’s 58th edition is presented by Shell Oil products and has a returning list of acts that became popular among the crowd, such as the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds, the U.S Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs.
Source: Chicago Tribune