San Francisco's Fleet Week Thrives Without Blue Angels
Despite the absence of the U.S. Navy's Blue Angels, San Francisco's Fleet Week drew visitors to the waterfront. The event, organized by the U.S. Navy, featured performances by the Canadian and Colombian militaries to fill the gap left by the federal government shutdown.
While crowds were smaller than usual, popular spots still saw steady turnout. Sandra Escobar, a first-time attendee, enjoyed the event despite not seeing the Blue Angels. Longtime fans, like Esther Hill, missed the U.S. military's presence but appreciated the efforts to keep the spirit of Fleet Week alive.
Event organizers added a classic car showcase to entertain visitors. Several waterfront businesses reported slower sales compared to previous years, with Grace Paik from Nick's Lighthouse estimating a 40-50% decrease in business.
Although the Blue Angels were grounded due to the federal government shutdown, Fleet Week in San Francisco still managed to honor service members and foster community unity. The Canadian and Colombian militaries stepped in with impressive performances, and visitors and organizers agreed that the event's spirit remained strong.
