History of the Chicago Air & Water Show

2008 marked the 50th Annual Chicago Air & Water Show, strong in tradition and assured the lofty position as one of the world's premier aviation events.

From simple beginnings as part of a "Family Day Celebration" in 1959, the show has grown to the oldest and largest free admission air and water exhibition in the United States. With audience numbers reaching an average of 2.2 million annually, it is one of the largest spectator events in the world.

The first show was held under the direction of Al Benedict, a Chicago Park District Supervisor at Lakeshore Park. Held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan, the show was titled the Lakeshore Park Air & Water Show, and was a part of a "Family Day" celebration for children enrolled in the Chicago Park District's day camp program. The budget was $88, and the show featured a Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue demonstration, water skiers, a water ballet, games and a diving competition.

The following year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds and Golden Knights Parachute Team performed to a huge crowd and the event became a Chicago summer tradition.

Eventually, the show was renamed the Chicago Park District Air & Water Show, expanded to two days, and moved to its current location at North Avenue Beach. Corporate sponsorship participation was incorporated in 1989, and now provides substantial support for the production costs of the show. The event has been managed by the Mayor's Office of Special Events since 1994.

Shell returns as the presenting sponsor of this one of a kind show. It is Shell's major contribution, and the contributions of all of the corporate sponsors, which allows the event to be presented free of charge. Over the years the show has featured some of the top names in aviation, and the 2008 show was no exception, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Golden Knights Parachute Team were the headliners.

The event kicked off daily at 9 a.m. with the Shell Extreme Water Show, featuring the Liquid X Freestyle Pro Tour and the Munson Ski & Inboard Water Sports Ski Team. The Air Show started at 11 a.m., with amazing performances from numerous military and civilian aircraft that thrilled the crowds.

With Chicago's magnificent skyline as a backdrop, the Chicago Air & Water Show was like no other.