Chicago Air and Water Show 2009: Schedule, Performers, and FAQs

The 2009 Chicago Air and Water Show is set to kick off on both Saturday and Sunday upon August 15^th and August 16^th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is hailed as the largest and longest ongoing performance of its nature in the United States.

The 2009 Chicago Air and Water Show is a must see event. All eyes will be centered upon North Avenue Beach to marvel at the death-defying stunts, air formations, remarkable engineering, aircraft acceleration, and booming noise.

This pilgrimage is ideal for families, friends, couples, and individuals from all walks of life. I will now identify the performers and address the frequently asked questions pertaining to this event, alongside relevant anecdotes of my own personal experiences. This is directed at both tourists and locals to detail what is to be expected at the grand spectacle.

Chicago Air and Water Show 2009: Schedule and Performers

The pilots and disparate groups will coordinate their own schedules the day of the event. Still, Chicagoans can expect the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights, and the U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs to perform at the grand finale.

Civilian Aircraft that will be visible at the show include Team Oracle, Red Bull, and the Chicago Fire Department Air and Sea Rescue. I find Sean D. Tucker and the bright red planes of Team Oracle to be particularly breathtaking every year.

Meanwhile, engineering buffs will remain captivated by the military entrants at the Chicago Air and Water Show. This year's lineup features the F-15, F-16, and C-17 fighter jets, alongside Apache and Black Hawk helicopters.

Expect to immediately pine to sign up for the U.S. Air Force.

Chicago Air and Water Show 2009: Frequently Asked Questions

Where Is the 2009 Chicago Air and Water Show?

North Avenue Beach juts into Lake Michigan directly off the intersection of U.S. 41 - Lake Shore Drive and IL 64 - North Avenue.

From personal experience, I must acknowledge that simply getting to the event is the most difficult proposition. Lincoln Park - Old Town, North Avenue, and Lake Shore Drive are always congested in their own right, let alone amidst the crushing amounts of people that descend onto the lakefront per the Chicago Air and Water Show.

Take heed. Traffic will not move at North Avenue, Fullerton Avenue, and the parkways that traverse Lincoln Park during the event. All Chicagoans must dismiss the idea of attempting to drive anywhere near IL 64 - North Avenue this weekend.

I have personally taken the keys out of my ignition behind stalled traffic on Stockton Drive and simply watched bits and pieces of the Air and Water Show overhead from within the depths of Lincoln Park.

The City of Chicago official website actually directs motorists to drive right up to the event per Lake Shore Drive and exit onto North Avenue, or to park at Millennium Garage and take free shuttles into the area.

Seriously, this advice is a total joke.

First, all exits to North Avenue will be a complete madhouse. Secondly, shuttle service will face the same delays that any private automobile would be set to encounter.

How Do I Take Public Transportation to Chicago Air and Water Show?

Unfortunately, the closest Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) stops to North Avenue Beach are the Red and Brown Lines, which stop at North / Clybourn, Sedgwick, and Fullerton. I would recommend that Chicagoans pick up the Brown Line from the Loop or Montrose / Lincoln corridor to Sedgwick and Old Town.

Chicagoans will exit the Sedgwick platform and walk north (away from the Sears-Willis Tower) to the traffic light at North Avenue. From there, turn right and walk roughly one mile to North Avenue Beach by following the signs for IL 64, which actually wraps around the park via La Salle Street.

All CTA Trains and Metra commuter rail lines converge downtown at the Loop. Metra suburbanites will exit downtown and simply walk towards the direction of the Sears (Willis) Tower for the CTA elevated trains.

Northbound Brown Line trains to "Kimball" are available from all elevated platforms within the Chicago Loop for Sedgwick and North Avenue.

What Items Should I (Not) Bring to Enjoy the Air and Water Show?

Boat restrictions will begin at 8 a.m. on Lake Michigan to be administered by the Coast Guard.

Land Loving spectators will bring chairs, towels, blankets, and coolers to enjoy the festivities.

Meanwhile, dog lovers must keep Biggles at home, because all pets are prohibited from the event.

Alcohol, open flame grilling, fireworks, weapons, beach umbrellas, tents, and flag poles are also barred from the Chicago Air and Water Show.

All bags and containers are subject to search and seizure.

Enjoy.

Chicago Air and Water Show 2009: Schedule, Performers, and FAQ's, Sources:

Kofi Bofah, Taking Public Transportation to the Chicago Loop, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1707371/taking_public_transportation_to_the.html?cat=16

Chicago Traveler, North Avenue Beach, http://www.chicagotraveler.com/attractions/north-avenue-beach.html

The City of Chicago, http://www.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/home.do

Chicago Air and Water Show,http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/things_see_do/event_landing/special_events/mose/chicago_air___water.html