Snowbirds Hometown Event A Success
By Submitted
Moose Jaw, SK - With clear skies and a sold-out crowd, the Snowbirds Hometown Event held on July 12 at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport was a tremendous success.
This celebration of Canada's beloved air demonstration team brought together thousands of spectators and showcased the strong community spirit that Moose Jaw is known for.
The event was sold out at 500 vehicles, drawing approximately 1,600 attendees.
About 60% of those attending were from outside Moose Jaw, including visitors from across Saskatchewan, Alberta, Manitoba, Montana, and even one attendee who traveled all the way from Texas.
Special thanks go to the Moose Jaw Flying Club and Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority for organizing the event.
And to SERCO for sponsoring the sanitation facilities and Volunteer Appreciation BBQ.
Volunteers were easily recognized and proudly outfitted thanks to CAE, who sponsored the official volunteer t-shirts.
We acknowledge the efforts of the Friends of the Forces Fellowship along with the many volunteers who helped make the event a success.
Brigadier General Dan Coutts offered critical early support in getting the event off the ground, and Colonel Adam Carlson, Commander of 15 Wing, provided a Harvard Il aircraft for the static display.
The Harvard II, used daily at 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School (2CFFTS), plays a vital role in training pilots for the Royal Canadian Air Force who go on to serve Canadians across the country and abroad.
The Snowbirds perform in Saskatchewan - photo credit Facebook
Along with aircraft from Provincial Airways, also on display was the Fouga CM.170 Magister, courtesy of Golden Era Aviation, adding to the excitement and aviation showcase.
"As Honorary Colonel of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, I was proud to see our community come together to celebrate those who serve," said Crystal Froese, Volunteer on the Organizing Committee.
“Moose Jaw is a proud military city, and the Snowbirds-along with the training that happens every day at 15 Wing— are not only central to our local identity, but vital to Canada's Air Force and national pride. This event was a fantastic way to highlight that commitment."
The event also raised just over $18,000, which will go toward infrastructure improvements at the nonprofit Moose Jaw Municipal Airport, specifically supporting the construction of the much-needed crosswind runway.
"What made this event so successful was the way the whole community stepped up to support it," said Roger Blager, President of the Moose Jaw Flying Club.
"There was outstanding collaboration between local organizations, the City, 15 Wing, our sponsors, volunteers, and so many others. The funds raised will go toward the needed infrastructure improvements at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport, which not only supports aviation and job growth in the aerospace sector but contributes to long-term economic impact for the city."
Additional appreciation goes to SaskTix for support, the City of Moose Jaw Fire Department, Moose Jaw and District Paramedics and the RCMP for traffic safety coordination.
Thanks also to Golden West Radio Country 100.7 for broadcasting the event live.
The volunteer organizing committee will be looking to set a date for 2026 working with the Snowbirds next season schedule.