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Thunderbirds back as Chicago Air and Water Show wows crowds

Planes thundered so close over Chicago's waterfront Saturday that viewers on beaches and rooftops reflexively ducked as they cheered the Chicago Air and Water Show.

Showstopping performances included the Air Force Thunderbirds - back after a five-year absence - the Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, the Navy Leap Frogs and the Aerostars from Cary.

With a mix of military and civilian teams and daredevil pilots, the free show draws an estimated 2 million people each year.

Retired Chicago Bear Charles Tillman was to open the show Saturday by jumping with the Golden Knights, but early rains pushed his jump to Sunday instead.

Among the aerobatic stunt pilots was Susan Dacy of Harvard in a restored and converted Super Stearman biplane she calls "Big Red." Dacy's "day job" is flying Boeing 777 passenger jets for American Airlines.

"I pinch myself because I have the best of both worlds," Dacy said.

The 58th annual Chicago Air and Water show got off to a late start after being delayed by morning rain showers.

A few hundred people filled the show's main viewing spot at North Avenue Beach, prepared with umbrellas and ponchos to wait out the delay.

"The weather cleared up nicely and the rain is gone," said Beverly Davison, 56, who came to the show with her 14-year-old daughter. "You just have to get over it because the show isn't canceled and we're all still having fun."

She said she was fascinated by the show because her friend is a retired pilot who used to fly planes like the ones featured.

"He used to be the one in the cockpit and trained people to fly these planes, so it's amazing to see what they can do," she said.

Michelle Roach, 44, and her mother, Linda Lou, 66, rejoiced after the show finally started. They had been waiting outside since 7:30 a.m. and were determined not to let the inclement weather dampen their day.

"It was raining sideways out here, but we took shelter under a little tent until it cleared," Roach said. "Nothing can stop this show from going. This is our favorite day of the year, so we're determined to have a good time."

Roach first came to the Chicago Air and Water Show with her mother 35 years ago. Since then, it has become a family tradition to celebrate annually in honor of the military.

"We're fascinated by air planes and want to support our military," Lou said. "That's what makes us come out here. We're proud of our country and we love to be here to support it as much as we can."

The Air and Water Show is free to the public and concludes Sunday along the lakefront between Fullerton and Oak Street. The National Weather Service's Sunday forecast predicts a 20 percent chance of showers after 1 p.m. with a high near 76 degrees.

Suburban pilot ready to soar at Chicago Air and Water Show

P-51 Mustang flies over North Avenue Beach on Saturday during the 2016 Chicago Air and Water Show in Chicago. Associated press
A P-51 Mustang, top, and a F-35 Lightning perform during the 2016 Chicago Air and Water Show on Saturday. Associated press
People in a high-rise building watch acrobatic airplanes perform over Lake Michigan on Saturday during the Chicago Air and Water Show. Associated press
A member of the Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs performs during the 2016 Chicago Air and Water Show on Saturday Associated press
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