Chicago Air and Water Show rehearsals thrill spectators along North Avenue Beach
CHICAGO (CBS) – The sky was loud, and the beach was busy. That can only mean one thing in Chicago.
The Chicago Air and Water Show is in town, and CBS 2's Sabrina Franza was at North Avenue Beach as rehearsals took place.
No matter how many times the planes whizzed by, they make spectators jump every time. Several people were excited to see the rehearsal because they felt it was the best time to sit and watch.
The crowds were smaller, although the show was anything but small.
The Thunderbirds were in formation, as were the spectators. It might have been the day before the real thing, but that wasn't keeping people from getting a good spot to watch rehearsals.
Sheryl Young and her friends start up on rehearsal day around 7 am. every year. With this year being their 10th, they'll be out until at least 10 p.m.
"Just taking time to enjoy the Chicago weather, especially at the end of summer, it's a great day to kind of celebrate with friends and be on the water," Young said.
CBS 2 met groups who, for years, have carved out the Friday before the show to get on the beach, set up a table, and enjoy good company and a good show.
Youngster Andrew Kelly doesn't like loud noises, but he did love what was happening in the sky.
"They went in a circle, and then they made a heart," Kelly said.
The Thunderbirds are celebrating their 70th year flying. They started in 1953.
The U.S. Army parachute team, the Golden Knights, was also out rehearsing. Both groups were inspiring spectators from about 12,000 feet above the ground.
Erick Ayers dreams of flying on his own one day.
"I wanna be a pilot when I finally grow up," said the soon-to-be seventh grader.
The dips and dives, the twists and turns were all happening on North Avenue Beach and those sitting on the sand loved to see it.
For those heading to the beach to watch this weekend, the city recommends taking mass transit because parking will be limited. Extra buses will be running along the North Avenue and Sheridan routes to help attendees get to the show on time.