news: Barrie airshow Announcement

BARRIE, ONTARIO – The Canadian Forces Snowbirds along with numerous other aerobatic displays are set to wow thousands this summer over the shores of Kempenfelt Bay as the Barrie Airshow makes its return.

“Being able to partner with our incredible friends at CFB Borden to bring back the Barrie Airshow is such an incredible honour for the City of Barrie,” said Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall during an airshow press conference Wednesday afternoon.

The airshow, which is set to take place over the weekend of June 15 and 16, will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 Demonstration Team, the Canadian Forces Parachute Team ‘Skyhawks’, and a CH-146 Griffon helicopter.

More performer and show announcements are to be released in the coming weeks.

In addition to the star-studded aerobatic lineup, the Barrie Airshow will premiere a drone show that is scheduled to take place Friday night at 9:30pm to begin the weekend-long festivities.

“None of this could happen without our amazing sponsor Pratt Homes,” noted Mayor Nuttall.

This year’s airshow is especially significant as the Royal Canadian Air Forces marks its 100^th year anniversary.

“This event is a great way to showcase the strong connections CFB Borden has to the community especially with Borden serving as the historical birthplace of the Royal Canadian Air Force,” said Colonel John Michaud, Base Commander of CFB Borden, at Wednesday’s press conference.

Col. Michaud also noted that “CFB Borden is proud to serve the community and it is a true honour to support to Barrie to make this airshow the most amazing that it can be.”

Besides all the excitement of an airshow, there are huge logistical challenges that are faced throughout.

One of those major challenges is where to station all involved aircraft and to find a place that is suitable and can take on the high demand of dealing with military aircraft.

In our region, that place is Lake Simcoe Regional Airport located in Oro-Medonte.

During his speech, Barrie Mayor Alex Nuttall noted the overwhelming support that the city has from Lake Simcoe Regional Airport.

“Lake Simcoe is the only airport in the region capable of handling such aircraft and being able to support them while they are here, so I thank the personal at Lake Simcoe Regional Airport for their tremendous support.”

Alongside the airshow, there will be other ways to celebrate the milestone.

Spectators can take part in a vast array of static ground displays, Open Air Dunlop, food vendors, and much more.

The City of Barrie, the Canadian Forces Base Borden (CFB), the County of Simcoe, Lake Simcoe Regional Airport, and the Downtown Barrie BIA came together to plan the weekend’s event.

The Barrie Airshow is set to take flight on June 15 and 16. More details will be released in the coming weeks.

For more information, click HERE.

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This report by Connor Earl Productions was published May 1, 2024.

Connor Earl Productions. All rights reserved.