The 2008 50th Anniversary Show
In 2008, for the 50th annual show, the event was extended from two days to three. The Friday show, which is typically an unofficial preview and rehearsal show, became a part of the scheduled performances. Actress Florence Henderson opened the airshow with the singing of the American National Anthem. The show featured Chicago theater alumni Bill Murray, who parachuted in to the event with the Golden Knights in promotion of the United Service Organization, and Gary Sinise, who performed a live concert with his Lt. Dan Band. The concert concluded with a B-1 bomber fly-by and an evening of fireworks. Several freestyle jet skiers also competed at the 2008 show. LXF Pro Tour champion Gary Burtka lead Team Twangled team mates Greg Brock, Mike Hoffman, and Michael Niksic. The Mayor's Office of Special Events estimated that the show drew a record crowd of approximately 3.1 million spectators.
Read more about this topic: Chicago Air & Water Show
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