Chicago’s 3rd Official airport is once again the annual venue for a breathtaking air show of regional, national and international pilots and aerial acrobatics artists
On Saturday, August 17th and Sunday, 18 AugustthThe City of Gary, Gary/Chicago International Airport (GCIA) and the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority (SSCVA) will once again host dozens of aviators and aerialists who will perform on Lake Michigan’s south shore during the Gary Air Show weekend. The event will take place between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. each day and features notable artists performing at the GCIA.
The primary observation location is Marquette Park, 6918 Oak Avenue in Gary. Located on the south shore of Lake Michigan and surrounded by Indiana Dunes National Park, this beach park provides a stunning backdrop for the event. Visitors can look forward to breathtaking flight demonstrations from regional, national and international pilots while enjoying the park’s pristine beaches, dunes and scenic views.
“The Gary Air Show is a fantastic opportunity for residents and visitors from across Northwest Indiana to experience a world-class aviation event while enjoying a fun, family-friendly weekend at Marquette Park,” said Eddie Melton, Mayor of the City of Gary. “This event also provides our local businesses and community with a valuable platform to showcase the great hospitality and amenities Gary has to offer.”
The 2024 artist roster includes numerous artists, including the U.S. Army Golden Knights, Warbird Thunder, Trojan Phlyers, Randy W. Ball, Bill Stein, Red Bull’s Kevin Coleman Aerosports, Ed Hamill Folds of Honor Biplane and the Bob Richards Machaira Muscle Biplane.
The 2024 Gary Air Show will again be co-hosted by the SSCVA. This year’s event features a variety of local vendors, greatly expanded from the 2023 air show. Marquette Park will be the main viewing location for visitors and will serve as a gathering place for food, vendors and beach activities. Visitor activities include “Kids Zones” with water slides, bounce houses and several kid-friendly vendors. J&M Excursions also offers kayak and paddle boat rentals at Miller Lagoon.
“Events like the Gary Air Show provide a great opportunity for the public to come together and enjoy an exciting flying experience. We couldn’t be happier with the response we have received so far,” said Phil Taillon, President/CEO of the SSCVA. “We are so excited to see the artists and visitors come to Gary and experience this great weekend of fun, food and entertainment.”
The SSCVA encourages visitors to linger even after the main flying activities have ended. Gary’s Miller Beach neighborhood becomes the center of activity during the weekend festivities, which continue long after the flying events have ended. Miller Beach offers visitors numerous options, including many shops and restaurants, some with live entertainment.
“We are excited to bring aerial artists and other performances to the stage at this year’s event and are really excited to see the event continue to grow each year,” said Dan Vicari, Executive Director of GCIA. “We are proud to be a partner in the air show and look forward to playing a key role in this annual event in the years to come.”
GCIA has long been a host to aviation events, including hosting the Chicago Air and Water Show annually. The airport has experienced significant growth and private investment over the past decade, including the extension of its main runway, which is the second longest in the region after O’Hare International Airport, as well as its state-of-the-art U.S. Customs facility and rapidly growing cargo service. It also has two (2) world-class fixed-base operators in B. Coleman Aviation and Gary Jet Center.
For more information about the air show, including transportation and parking, visit https://www.southshorecva.com/air-show/.
