Crowds flock to lakefront Friday for sneak peek of Air and Water Show

CHICAGO (FOX 32 NEWS) - No matter how many times you see it, it never fails to impress.

The Blue Angels are drawing eyes to the sky as they practice for this weekend's Air and Water Show.

Savvy Chicagoans and visitors for years have flocked to the lakefront on Friday of the city’s Air and Water Show weekend for what amounts to a full dress rehearsal, minus the crushing crowds.

Most of the featured attractions of this weekend’s show were on display Friday, including the U.S. military's Harrier II, which seemingly caused the lake to boil as it hovered in mid-air.

The city estimates more than one million people will attend each of the shows this weekend and advises visitors to plan accordingly.

"If you are driving in we recommend parking at the Millennium Parking garage. There is a shuttle that will bring you to the beach. If you're not driving we do recommend public transportation. So check out the CTA," said Mary May from the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events: 

Although the show is centered on North Avenue Beach, nearly all elements are visible along the lakefront from as far south as Ohio Street Beach and as far north as Diversey.
      
There are plenty of rooftop bars and restaurants on top of the tall buildings lining the lakefront and with the Cubs playing at wrigley field, the bleachers also offer a great view of the Blue Angels.

"We're people watchers,” one spectator said. “We just love being out here. It's summertime Chi. You can't beat it.”