Air & Water Show thrills on first day

CHICAGO (FOX 32 News) - For the 59th time, the Air and Water Show is back on the lakefront. Millions head down each year, turning their gazes to the sky for the amazing acts.

The anticipation has been building over the last several days as jets have roared over the lakefront, practicing for the big opening.

The Blue Angels, gliding through the sky in perfect formation, draw crowds to the lakefront each year, and that includes Jackson Colwell, a child, coming to the show with his family, and calling the Blue Angels his favorite.

“They're fast and they twist and stuff in the sky. It was cool,” Jackson Colwell.

But only to be outshined by retired Cubs catcher and World Series Champion David Ross, parachuting with the U.S. Army Golden Knights, and giving a fist pump after landing safely on North Avenue Beach.

“You got all these nerves about certain things,” Ross said. “What could go wrong? … The parachute ride down was really fun too. That was a great view … I could see Wrigley,”

The city estimates more than 1 million people will head down to the shows this weekend.

Lamont Wesley says he's been coming since he was a kid, and now finds joy in bringing his 6-year-old daughter.

“To me, nothing much has changed. I'm still enjoying it and I'm giving her a chance to enjoy it,” Wesley said.

The show runs Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.