Milwaukee Air and Water Show attracts 1.2 million to Lakefront

MILWAUKEE -- Organizers of the Milwaukee Air and Water Show say 1.2 million people headed to Milwaukee's Lakefront this weekend to check out the action high in the sky and on the water.

The show was part of Navy Week in Milwaukee. Milwaukee is one of 15 cities that celebrates the military during Navy Week — also commemorating the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812.

The air show once again brought back white knuckle acrobatic pilots and an array of military air craft.  The two-day event brought spectators from near and far -- like the Fantoni family from Illinois.

"It's like, really cool and they are all so big,  and to see these guys, it's like amazing," 11-year-old Giada Fantoni said.

Giada's brother loved the spinning tricks, but thought it may be best left to the professionals.

"I would be scared to do it," Alessandro Fantoni said.

Navy leapfrogger Justin Gonzales had the honor of parachuting with the American flag.

"It's a great perspective coming down from about 5,500 feet," Gonzales said.

Organizers say they hope to bring the Thunderbirds back next year.  The air show has been in Milwaukee since 2002.

Another Navy Week event honoring military veterans was held at Miller Park Saturday evening — with the world premiere of the Honor Flight Stars and Stripes Documentary — a film documenting World War II veterans’ trips to Washington, D.C. to view the World War II Memorial.

The 2012 Air and Water Show wrapped up Sunday, August 12th at 4:00 p.m.

Related stories: