GALLERY: Looking back at Chicago Air and Water Shows of years' past

U.S. Army Golden Knights sky dive over Lake Michigan during a Chicago Air and Water Show performance.
U.S. Army Golden Knights sky dive over Lake Michigan during a Chicago Air and Water Show performance. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago Air and Water Show returned to the city’s lakefront for the 64th time over the weekend, and while the performers may have evolved over the years, a collection of photos show that Chicagoans’ passion for the annual event has stayed largely the same.

The first Chicago Air and Water Show took place in 1959, but back then it was known as the Lake Shore Park Air and Water Show. That first show, which took place at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan, had a budget of $88 and featured a demonstration from the Coast Guard Air Sea Rescue, water skiers, water ballet and a diving competition.

Below are a collection of photos provided by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, which has managed the Chicago Air and Water Show since 1994.

A crowd enjoys the Chicago Air and Water Show on Lake Michigan. The first Air and Water Show was held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan in 1959.
A crowd enjoys the Chicago Air and Water Show on Lake Michigan. The first Air and Water Show was held at Chicago Avenue and Lake Michigan in 1959. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Water skiers perform on Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Water skiers perform on Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Earlier Chicago Air and Water Shows featured a diving competition. Here, a diver leaps off of a diving board into Lake Michigan.
Earlier Chicago Air and Water Shows featured a diving competition. Here, a diver leaps off of a diving board into Lake Michigan. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
A shark boat at the Chicago Air and Water Show.
A shark boat at the Chicago Air and Water Show. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
U.S. Air Force planes fly above Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show.
U.S. Air Force planes fly above Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Rescue teams with the Chicago Fire Department perform at the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Rescue teams with the Chicago Fire Department perform at the Chicago Air and Water Show. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
A U.S. Army Golden Knight prepares to land on the shores of Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show.
A U.S. Army Golden Knight prepares to land on the shores of Lake Michigan during the Chicago Air and Water Show. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events
Throngs of Chicagoans turn out for the Chicago Air and Water Show.
Throngs of Chicagoans turn out for the Chicago Air and Water Show. Photo credit Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Listen to WBBM Newsradio now on Audacy!
Sign up and follow WBBM Newsradio
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

Featured Image Photo Credit: Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events