By the numbers as the Chicago Air and Water Show turns 60
The Chicago Air and Water Show attracts more than a million spectators annually and features impressive daredevil acts, yet the show had humble origins. Sixty years ago, the day began as part of a summer day camp “family day” celebration. The $88 budget allowed for a water ballet and diving competition. These activities paved the way for today's beloved extravaganza.
Now fans watch planes approach the speed of sound and parachuters launch themselves from moving aircrafts.
The 2018 show takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19, at Chicago's North Avenue Beach. The show can also be viewed from Fullerton through Oak Street on the lakefront. Admission is free.
For a breakdown of the show and its past, check out the facts below.
22 - percent of show spectators are from the suburbs.
23 - performers are listed to participate in the event; 11 are military teams and 12 are civilian teams.
31 - consecutive years Herb Hunter has announced the show. His voice is heard by hundreds of thousands of audience members during the event.
60 - years since the launch of the first Air and Water Show. In its early years, the show was called the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show.
64 - percent of spectators are from Chicago.
88 - dollars; the budget for the first show in 1959. The show included water skiers, a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, games, water ballet and diving.
180 - mph; the maximum speed that the U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs, who will perform at the show, reach after jumping from the aircraft.
1959 - the year of the first air and water show.
1994 - the year the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events began managing the show.
12,500 - feet above the ground that parachuters jump from the planes.
14,000 - demonstrations that the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights have completed. They have performed the parachute demonstrations in all 50 states and 48 countries.
1.5 million - audience members annually. The Chicago Air and Water Show is the largest free air and water exhibition in the United States.
Chicago Air & Water Show performer lineup
Military teams
U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights
U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs
U.S. Coast Guard MH-65 Dolphin Helicopter
Civilian teams
Aeroshell Aerobatic Team
Aerostars
Sean D. Tucker & Team Oracle
See the full lineup at cityofchicago.org/.