Canadian Forces Snowbirds set to dazzle Kelowna this weekend | Globalnews.ca

celebrating his 75the anniversary this year, Kelowna International Airport has brought the Canadian Forces Snowbirds for two performances this weekend.

“This is exactly the kind of thing we want to bring to the community, to our celebration of this anniversary,” said Geoff Ritchie, senior manager of airport developments for YLW.

This weekend will mark the first time since 2014 that the Snowbirds dazzled a Kelowna crowd with their aerobatics. Given the team’s huge popularity in North America, signing the Snowbirds was not easy.

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Canadian Forces Snowbirds set to return to Kelowna for 2 performances

“Everybody wants snowbirds to perform, so the opportunities are limited,” Ritchie said.

“We were lucky to get there early and be able to have this. And honestly, they also enjoy being here in Kelowna, so it’s a perfect match for the two of them.”

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However, the Okanagan’s complex terrain offers a more challenging setting for pilots to fly.

“It’s actually a little more technical: It’s a valley, so there are mountains on one side and mountains on the other,” said Capt. Gabriel Ferris, the Snowbirds’ public relations officer.

“The pilots, when they fly their show, they have to dive into the valley to be able to maneuver and things like that. Therefore, it adds a greater difficulty for the pilots.”

Creating a Snowbirds performance can take time, and the pilots and crews say they’ve been training for this weekend’s show for more than eight months.


Click to Play Video: 'Kelowna Snowbirds Take to the Skies for Friday Practice'







Snowbirds in Kelowna take to the skies for Friday practice


Snowbirds in Kelowna take to the skies for Friday practice

The shows on Saturday and Sunday will begin at 1:00 p.m. and will last approximately 45 minutes each. During that time, seven aircraft will be operating.

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“We’re excited to be a part of such a special occasion for Kelowna,” said Dominic Appolloni, left wing for the Snowbirds.

“We don’t normally get to such a large landmark for each airport, which is why we have such a special connection to the Okanagan region and we’re excited to share that with the city.”

The Snowbirds’ return to the Central Okanagan is also a way for the team to honor captain Jenn Casey, a public affairs officer for the team who died in an accident after a performance in Kamloops two years ago.


Click to play video: 'Kamloops grieves after Snowbirds crash Sunday'







Kamloops cries after Snowbirds crash Sunday


Kamloops Grieving After Snowbirds Crash Sunday – May 19, 2020

“It’s really important to be in Kelowna,” Ferris said. “It’s also a little bit close to Kamloops and with the event that happened two years ago, we also have people coming from Kamloops.

“So, it’s special for our team in this region. Being here for the 75th anniversary, it’s a sweet on top.”

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The Snowbirds Airshow is the first of many events taking place to kick off the airport’s 75th anniversary.

YLW also has a number of celebrations planned for the rest of the year, which can be found at airport website.

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