FIVE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE AIR SHOW
9/11 Exhibit
This year’s air show marks the first time ever that Canada has been visited by the 9/11 Travelling Memorial Exhibit.
Coming from New York — after a short stop in Regina — the exhibit offers insight into the harrowing day that was Sept. 11, 2001, and how it changed history worldwide.
Snowbirds
The Snowbirds are a frequent sight at air shows and, celebrating their 45th anniversary this year, have solidified themselves as a piece of Canadian history.
Their CT-114 Tutor planes will be taking to the sky both Saturday and Sunday, performing aerial loops, dives, smoke trails and other aerobatic manoeuvres bound to dazzle children and adults alike.
“The precision and fluid nature of their show — it’s a very graceful show — that’s a highlight for a lot of people,” said Brian Swidrovich, director of business development, operations and marketing for Auto Clearing Motor Speedway, where the air show is being held.
The Parade
Each day of the air show will be opened by a parade of veterans, military, police, fire and other emergency personnel.
Though manpower may be lacking due to increased presence battling fires in northern Saskatchewan, Swidrovich said there remains the possibility of a 21-gun volley alongside the parade.
SkyHawks
With their signature Canadian flag parachutes, the SkyHawks are hard to miss as they float steadily toward the ground.
The SkyHawks will be helping to open the air show on Saturday and Sunday, parachuting into the area immediately following the parade.
C-15 Hornet
The C-15 Hornet is practically the poster image for military jets, and one has been brought in for the air show to experience firsthand.
According to Swidrovich, this year the plane has been given a new coat of paint in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Second World War’s Battle of Britain.
“The jet is painted in a 1940s World War Two-era camo paint scheme similar to what the Spitfires and Hurricanes would have been decked out in in (the Second World War),” Swidrovich said.