Saskatchewan Airshow to Return
The Saskatchewan Airshow is back.
Once a wildly popular annual and biennial event that took place at CFB Moose Jaw and later 15 Wing for decades, the airshow has been on hold since 2005 when two pilots were killed in a mid-air collision during a performance of the ‘Masters of Disaster’ show. Now, 13 years later, a push by 15 Wing Commanding Officer Col. Denis O’Reilly has come to fruition and the new and improved and rebranded Saskatchewan Air Show will be taking place at 15 Wing during the July 6-7th , 2019 weekend.
“I’m very excited to be here for the return of the airshow in Moose Jaw,” O’Reilly said during a kick-off luncheon on Nov. 16. “Growing up here, aviation has always been part of our culture. I saw the positive impact of the Saskatchewan Airshow on our community and I’m proud to be able to host it now as your 15 Wing Commander... it promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.”
Lt. Gov. Vaughn Schofield has chosen to act as patron for the event and was on-hand to offer her support for the airshow’s return.
“We are so thrilled that the Saskatchewan airshow is back... When Col. O’Reilly first talked to me about this, I was thrilled because I think 15 Wing is the perfect, ideal group and spot to host this event.,” she said. “It’ll be a fantastic time for quality family-bonding; the kids will absolutely love it and what could be better for any air enthusiast? It’s going to be a great time and a lot of fun.” As could be expected, the local airshow was long a favourite of the Snowbirds air demonstration squad, given their home base is 15 Wing. Having a chance to once again take the air, in front of what is expected to be around 20,000 to 30,000 patrons over the weekend, is something they’re once again looking forward to. “I was a Snowbirds pilot the last time there was an airshow in 2005 and we’re glad to have it back,” said Commanding Officer Mike French. “It’s always fun to be home, but to be in the middle of show season and home with our families for the better part of a week is awesome. Then, at the same time, to be able to perform for your family and friends in town, it’s great.”
The event – which is being hosted by the combination of 15 Wing, CAE and the City of Moose Jaw – will carry much the same look as previous shows, only with updated amenities and design aimed to make the massive event as positive an experience as possible for all.
Acts and displays are still being booked, with the upcoming International Council of Airshows in Las Vegas expected to fill out the roster substantially. A wide variety of air acts are expected, as well as static displays covering the history of aviation right up to modern times. A kid zone will also be on site, as well as a series of museum displays.
While much is to be confirmed when it comes to nearly every part of the show, French was able to pass on a bit of info prior to the Council of Airshows.
“Being the hometown air show, you have a pretty good in with the Snowbirds and we’ll be here,” he said.
The first show is expected to largely act as a trial run, and a decision on follow-up events will be made at its conclusion, although a biennial schedule is likely.
For more info, including sponsorship opportunities and tickets, check out www.saskairshow.ca.