Chicago City Wire

State Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) applauded the Chicago Air and Water show he has recently attended.

Not only did the GOP gubernatorial candidate admire the event but has also commended the U.S. Air Force and Navy.

"The United States Navy Air and Water show was an impressive sight!" Bailey said. "I am always amazed at the abilities of our men and women who serve in the armed forces. Thank you for your service and may God Bless you."

The show, which chicago.gov announced that "A wide variety of military and civilian performers and aerial demonstration teams will be featured," was sponsored by Boeing, Goose Island Beer Co., Millennium Garages, WBBM and ABC 7. The event was held on Aug. 20 and 21 on the lakefront on North Avenue which can also be viewed along the lakefront from Fullerton to Oak Street. The show is the largest free show of its kind countrywide.

The Chicago Air and Water Show was packed despite bad weather. This year the show went on without Rudy Malnati Jr., the recently deceased founder of Pizano’s. Malnati helped plan the show for 30 years.

Legendary airshow announcer Herb Hunter, a pilot himself, said he was pleased to be back in Chicago after not appearing for two years due to Covid.

“It’s just great to be back and be a part of Chicago. It’s the heart and soul of the country. I’m glad to be here,” Hunter said, according to Block Club Chicago. "Airplanes bring out the kid in all of us."

Block Club Chicago also reported that "the weekend was dedicated to Hunter’s close friend and boss, Rudy Malnati Jr., a Chicago pizza legend and decades-long director of the air show. Malnati died in December."

Hunter has been the voice of the Air and Water Show for more than 20 years.