Bystanders gazed with their mouths agape as jets and planes ripped through the skies, awing the crowds with a medley of aerial acrobatics.
“The stunts are so spectacular,” Chrissy Dooley, of Chesterton, said. “This is my son’s first air show, and I’m glad he gets to experience this.”
Thousands of people staked out places along the lakeshore and throughout Marquette Park as the Gary Air Show returned to Lake Michigan’s southern shore Saturday.
The show opened with the members of the Golden Knights, the U.S. Army’s official aerial parachute demonstration team, drifting out of the planes and displaying their black-and-gold canopies.
Announcer Herb Hunter told the audience about the Golden Knights: “What they do, they don’t usually do in nice weather. They’re usually jumping out of planes in areas with enemies trying to do them bodily harm.”
There were more than 10 flight acts that showed off a tapestry of flashy aerial tricks, precise flight maneuvers, and the speed and power of the military aircraft.
Many of the attendees used their phones to record the performances.
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“I don’t want to miss anything,” Andrew Zach, of Merrillville, said as he recorded one demonstration. Zach said he’s been attending the Gary Air Show regularly for the past six years.
Marja Wilson, of Lake Station, said it was her 2-year-old son’s first time seeing the air show.
“I just want him to have a good time, and I’m excited for him to see the planes,” she said.
After finishing his flight in the show, Marine Corps Capt. Ameen Nasser, pilot of an MV-22 Osprey, said he thoroughly enjoys performing because he rarely gets the opportunity to do so.
“It was awesome seeing so many people down on the beach,” Nasser said. “You could see the crowd for miles.”
Nasser said he was particularly excited about his family being in attendance.
“It’s my family’s first time seeing me fly,” he said. “I’m originally from Michigan, and being able to fly over the Great Lakes and have my family here is special.”
Gary Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson said she was enjoying the show as much as everyone in attendance.
“I am very excited about the number of people that came out for this phenomenal show,” Freeman-Wilson said. “It was a great turnout, beautiful weather and just a pleasure to be here.”
The crowd erupted as the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy’s elite flight demonstration squadron, graced the skies.
In addition to the aerial show, visitors enjoyed an array of food and merchandise vendors.
The air show will continue from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
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