Abbotsford, British Columbia
An airshow for all
Abbotsford will be a top destination this summer
RVWest readers should be sure to make room in their schedules for the Abbotsford International Airshow. It has been running since 1962, and will be returning with a host of new exhibits, performers and amenities on August 7, 8 and 9, 2009.
IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES: The flight displays at the Abbotsford International Airshow are world-renowned. —photo courtesy Abbotsford International Airshow
The popularity and hype for the show has increased over the years, making it one of the most fervently-awaited events in Canada.
“The Abbotsford Airshow has grown in stature within the airshow industry and with the general public throughout its history,” said Kate Witoszkin, event co-ordinator. “Pierre Trudeau designated Abbotsford (International Airshow) ‘Canada’s National Airshow’ and (it) is known across the globe as a world-class event. With performers and guests, the Abbotsford Airshow…(is) an excellent show; great hosting and a wonderful family event are expected.”
The event will be more than just an airshow. It will include an entire day of activities that the whole family can enjoy. The gates will open at 8 a.m., and the flight performances will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A historical icon
This year marks the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Canada, and to celebrate, the Abbotsford Airshow will be hosting aircraft that represent the past and future of aviation in Canada.
“Included is the F-86 Sabre Hawk One which will be flown by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield,” said Witoszkin, “as well as a Golden Centennaire Tutor in the original 1967 paint scheme.”
The airshow itself has become a symbol of aviation in Canada, and it has a rich history.
“In the Lower Mainland and beyond, the Abbotsford Airshow is an icon,” said Witoszkin. “For nearly five decades, residents and visitors (have) marked the summer by visiting the Abbotsford Airshow. Started originally by the Abbotsford Flying Club and the Abbotsford Rotary Club, the airshow was a local demonstration of flight. (It) pays homage to the military and farming aviation done in the region and has also spurred the development of more aviation-related industry in the Fraser Valley.”
Activities galore
Airshow patrons can expect to have a fun-filled day of excitement, with talented performers such as the Snowbirds, the Skyhawks, and many others.
“The flying program includes parachuting and canopy demonstrations by the Skyhawks, nine-jet formation flying by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, aerobatics and stunt flying by Kent & Warren Pietsch, Bud & Ross Granley, Dan Buchanan and Rob Holland; and oversize carrier demos by the C-17 Globemaster,” said Witoszkin. “By mid-March, we will also have confirmation on which USAF military jet demonstrations we will be presenting.”
The flying action will be accompanied by some premium attractions on the ground.
“On the ground, there are two lineups of military and civilian aircraft open for the public to walk through or sit in,” said Witoszkin. “There is an autograph booth, ground exhibits of all sorts, grassed seating area, food and souvenir concessions, beer gardens, front-line runway seating and all-inclusive ticket upgrades, plumbed washrooms and just about as much flying as you can put into one day! The annual favourite is the Canadian Forces Snowbirds; they have attended the show every year since their inception in 1971.”
For camping and RV enthusiasts
For those who love to camp out, the airshow campground will be set up at the airport from August 6 to 10 for those who are attending the show. There will be a camp and admission package that will grant a campsite for the weekend and admission (for a party of up to eight people) for all three days. The early bird rate for this package is $155, and after April 1 it will be $175. This also includes a shuttle service and access to the Abbotsford Flying Club for a sensational breakfast and dinner.
Randy Engh is one of the committed volunteers who make the campground and show successful and enjoyable for everyone.
“I have been a member of the Abbotsford Flying Club for 10 years, and enjoy the clubhouse camaraderie every bit as much as the ability to use the club aircraft,” said Engh. “I have had the pleasure of serving as director for the flying club as well as the airshow society. I found myself volunteering for the campground about seven years ago, and have shared the management of it with a couple of our club member volunteers, as well as the five or six volunteer members who come out each year. Campground hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., with out-of-towners waiting at the gate bright and early each morning.”
The atmosphere at the campground is always jovial and festive for all involved.
“We have such a wide variety of campers, from motorcyclers with tents, to the huge fifth wheelers and buses with their towed vehicles, and every conceivable camping unit in between,” said Engh. “We have arranged areas compatible with each type of camping unit, which seems to work the best. When our campers are greeted at the gate, we introduce them to the campground information, where to get what they need, and how the shuttle system takes them right from the campground over to show centre. They can come and go to the show as they please, or spend the day watching from the comfort of their camper unit. Our club even offers breakfast and dinners at our Broken Prop restaurant for their enjoyment. We do have porta-potties and a water supply tanker on site, as well as free showers at the clubhouse.”
The volunteers work tirelessly to make the show memorable every year, and their dedication is reflected in the enthusiasm of those who come to enjoy the event.
“I have to say my favourite aspect at the campground is seeing our return guests year after year, with smiles, big handshakes, and (saying) ‘great to see you again this year,’” said Engh. “That makes the long hours and work totally worthwhile to me and our volunteers at the airshow campground. We do have room available for all our regulars as well as any new visitors, and as we look forward to another great airshow this year, we hope that visitors will make camping at the airshow one of their new summer fun activities.
For more information and updates on the show, visit www.abbotsfordairshow.com.
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