Anticipation sits in the air like a stalled engine. The ground begins to rumble as dads in “Top Gun” t-shirts and children with earplugs point to the sky. 

With necks cranked and hands on their foreheads, a cacophony of 'oohs' and 'ahhs' envelop the crowd as they lay their eyes on the main event of the day— the Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. 

The sound barrier cracks as the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, soar through the sky at speeds up to 700 mph. Excited fans jump up and down with joy, sharing in a moment of collective awe. 

This demonstration was the featured act of the Cleveland Air Show, running through Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31 - Sept. 2), at Burke Lakefront Airport. The three-day event featured flight demonstrations, aircraft tours, food and more.

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The Cleveland Air Show celebrated their 60th anniversary this year, operating as a self-sufficient nonprofit organization in which all ticket sales go towards production costs. 

As part of the community’s tradition, local aircraft such as the Cleveland Metro Life Flight were present and air show attendees were able to meet the pilots that work in their community. 

“This is my fifth air show,” said Peter Augusta, lead pilot at Cleveland Metro Life Flight. “It’s a really good time.”

In typical Cleveland pride, Augusta noted that a special part of the air show is being able to talk to the citizens that he serves. 

“Everybody comes and thanks us for what services we provide,” said Augusta. “Many people come and tell us that we’ve flown them before and we’re thankful for that.”

In addition to local services, various aircraft from the U.S. military were on display featuring planes and carriers from the Army, Navy and Air Force. 

The featured flight that closed the show was the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels which featured six fighter jets that flew in tight formations and opposing positions. Air show attendees were able to meet pilots and maintenance crew members who work on the naval aviation team. 

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Nick, a Blue Angels crew chief for the number two pilot, expressed his admiration for the team while reflecting on his time with the squadron.

“It’s the best job I could ever ask for,” Nick, in his second year with the Blue Angels, said. “It’s definitely been a challenging experience, but it’s helped me grow as a person.”

When asked how the Cleveland Air Show compared to other shows he’d been a part of, he took a quick pause before finding the words. 

“It’s big,” he declared, with an even bigger laugh. “Everyone has been super grateful and super welcoming to us. It’s been a really good show.”

From sporting Blue Angel gear to military hats, Cleveland fans certainly made their appreciation known and cheered for pilots, maintenance crew and service members of all organizations at every chance. 

After 60 years, the excitement hasn’t faded in Cleveland. Adrenaline continues to fly through the sky every time the show is in town, and viewers continue to patiently stare at the sky in anticipation for what they know is coming next—their collective awe moment.