AIR & WATER SHOW 2009

It's that time of year again when the lakefront gets crammed full of hundreds of thousands of people and all the traffic grinds to a halt, everyone having come to watch the Chicago Air and Water Show. Last year was a spectacular show, made all the better by perfect weather. This year the show seemed rather weak in comparison with a noticeable lack of military paraphernalia and not such spectacular stunt teams. I guess it must be a 'boy thing' but my husband loves this event. I spend most of my time thinking what a weak rip-off of bird flight most of the planes exhibit and cringing at the excessive noise! But hey it brings lots of money to the city so why not!
There were some military planes........


And the crazy stunt fliers.............


The finale was provided by the Thunderbirds............


But for me the highlight of the show was this crazy guy doing stunts in a helicopter! It was real heart-stopping stuff and in case you think I have just rotated the pictures round - no he really is this way up!




I have to admit to being impressed by this guy! I have never seen barrel rolls and loop the loops performed by a helicopter. Apparently he started his career as a crop sprayer! So next time you see a crop sprayer flying upside down, you can blame this guy!!


Photo Credits - Dominick V