The U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team headline the Aug. 5-6 Gary Air Show at Marquette Park along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The show runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
It marks the first time the air show has been held since 2016. Financial challenges and the COVID-19 pandemic grounded the popular event in recent years.
The city is being assisted by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, which has organized the show in the past.
Stephanie Smith, SSCVA spokeswoman, said the authority was still lining up sponsors for the two-day show.
She said free shuttle parking will be offered and parking at Marquette Park, 1 N. Boulevard, is $40 a car or $60 for the weekend.
The Golden Knights, air show circuit regulars, perform precision free-fall demonstrations. Typically, team members perform four separate maneuvers while falling at 120 mph.
Other acts include Bill Stein Airshows, an aerobatic performance that showcases precision flying and Susan Dacy, one of a handful of women air show performers who flies a biplane.
Others include Rob Holland, an aerobatic pilot who won eight consecutive U.S. National Aerobatics championships.
Warbird Thunder typically features a 12-minute show with the North American SNJ Texan, a former World War 2 Navy aircraft. The plane’s nickname is “Oil Growler,” because of its distinct deep roar.
Ed Hamill performs in the Folds of Honor biplane to raise awareness and funds for the charity’s mission to provide scholarships to family members of military veterans who have fallen or have been disabled.
Kevin Coleman started aerobatic flight lessons at age 10 in a family plane and soloed at 16. He’s been in air shows since he was 18 and has earned a spot on the U.S. Advanced Aerobatic Team.
Like past years, the Gary/Chicago International Airport will be the staging site for the planes. It’s also the staging ground for the Chicago Air & Water Show, planned for Aug. 19-20.
Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
