CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Air and Water show returns this weekend, and a familiar voice will be leading WBBM’s coverage.
“This will mark my 30th year,” said CBS 2’s Kris Habermehl. “It's absolutely amazing. Just went by like that.”
Habermehl has been a key part of WBBM's coverage of the Chicago Air and Water Show for the past three decades, and he said this year's show will be a triumphant return to the pre-pandemic action after 2022’s show was scaled back due to weather.
“It's going to be a magnificent 64th annual show,” he said. “It's going to be full-on, down and dirty, hardcore aerobatics. We have the Thunderbirds back; they haven't been in town since 2018.”
The U.S. Army's Golden Knights parachute team will also be back this year.Habermehl added that they'll have the “fighter jocks come steaming through here” with the Viper demo, the F-16, the F-18, the Rhino, and the Super Hornet.
City officials said more than 1 million spectators are expected to take in the show, and Habermehl said the best spot to catch all the action is North Avenue Beach. For those who don't want to brave the masses, though, he said there is a less crowded option.
“You get a pretty decent show all around the Gary Airport,” he said.
With the weather looking like it will cooperate, Habermehl had some advice for anyone planning to head to the lakefront.
“Prepare to get there early,” he said. “Plan ahead for getting into congestion. There's not going to be any way to avoid that.”
Of course, Habermehl said attendees should pack sunscreen and be sure to drink plenty of water.
WBBM will have live reports from the 2023 Chicago Air and Water show all weekend long.
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