awarded under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Grant program. The airport is in the design phase currently and will be going out to bid this August to provide numbers to the FAA to apply for the construction grant to begin breaking ground. CRUISING AHEAD With all the positive developments unfolding at Gary/Chicago International, it is little wonder that the team is very optimistic about its success moving forward. As the airport sets its radar towards completion of the projects on its books, it is also turning its attention this summer to the annual Chicago Air Show and the Gary Air Show. “There was a little hiatus a few years back because of a lack of funding. We returned it, however, in 2023, and every year we host the Chicago Air Show, which is staged at the Gary Airport.” The show itself is along the shores of Lake Michigan from Oak Street Beach to North Avenue Beach. The Gary Airshow is held along the Gary Marquette Park Lakefront and plays host to the Thunderbirds, drawing in spectators from the area. The staging area around the Gary/Chicago Airport is a sight in itself, Vicari explains. The airport opens its parking lot for a small fee, and aviation enthusiasts can park and watch the arrival and departure of the aircraft heading to the airshow. “Last year, over two days, we had about 1,200 cars come through. It is pretty popular and we offer food truck vendors- everything from hot dogs to pizza, and last year we added a beer garden,” Vicari enthuses. 195 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 12, ISSUE 08 GARY/CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
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