No Air And Water Show, But the Blue Angels Are Coming To Chicago

If you were going to join the other million or so visitors at the Chicago Air and Water Show, well, there's good news and bad news. The bad news is, the Air and Water Show is cancelled, but not for the reason why you'd think. Probably your first thought is Covid and the pandemic. But no. The city of Chicago doesn't have the money to put on the event. Events like these are funded by tourism dollars and due to Covid, there haven't been any tourism dollars for the past couple of years.

But the good news is, there is a smaller alternative. The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, by themselves. The mayor of Chicago, Lori Lightfoot, using a new term, says the event has been "re-imagined" In real terms, this means a smaller and less expensive air show.

The schedule for the new event will be a "special solo demonstration" by the Blue Angels along the lakefront from 12 Noon to 1 pm on Saturday and Sunday Aug. 21 and 22. And there will be practice runs on Friday, August 20th from 10 am. to 2 pm. Best viewing areas are said to be between the Oak Street Beach and Fullerton Ave.

Now, here are some things to consider. With only the Blue Angels, the crowds will be likely be smaller. And it's still August, so there's a good chance it will still be beach weather.

Now another thing to keep in mind is, you're going to want to take public transportation, as parking anywhere downtown is extremely expensive. But a day at the beach and air show from the Blue Angels sounds like summer fun.

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