Duane Hicks
It’s not too late to get your tickets to see the Royal Canadian Air Force’s iconic “Snowbirds” demonstration team.
Canada’s premier aerobatics flying team, also known as the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, is coming here next Wednesday (June 10) at 6 p.m. to perform at the Fort Frances Airport—the first time they’ve been here since May, 1998.
Tickets, which cost $10 for adults and $5 for children two to 12 years old, are available at From the Grind Up, Northwoods Gallery & Gifts, Cousineau Real Estate, and the RRFDC office (601 Mowat Ave.) in Fort Frances, as well as Tompkins Hardware in Emo.
They also can be purchased from organizer Bruce Caldwell.
Parking won’t be allowed along the road from the dump grounds to the airport in order to keep the route open for emergency vehicles.
The road will be closed, noted Caldwell.
Instead, the public will go to Fort Frances High School and catch a shuttle bus to the airport. The shuttle bus will start running at 4:15 p.m.
If someone absolutely has to drive to the airport, there will be a $10 charge to park in the airport lot (this fee is to keep the number of vehicles parked there to a minimum).
Spectators should bring collapsible chairs to sit on.
Caldwell, who has been working with Geoff Gillon of the Rainy River Future Development Corp. to organize the visit, said having the “Snowbirds” here is a rare opportunity.
“It’s special because I think the planes they’re using are not going to be around all that much longer,” he noted, referring to the Canadair CT-114 Tutors.
“They’re old, and that was one reason I thought of to get them [the ‘Snowbirds’] here before they [the Tutors] do disappear,” he added.
“I’m not sure what they’ll do; I think they’ll continue on with maybe another airplane,” Caldwell said.
“But these are the iconic ones, you might say.”
Caldwell, who has seen the “Snowbirds” perform multiple times over the years, said the public is in for quite a show.
“I think they’re fantastic,” he enthused. “They put on a really good show, especially if it’s a day like today [Monday].
“If you get a clear day, they put on what they call the ‘high show’—it’s quite a long show and they go through about every routine they’ve got,” noted Caldwell.
“It’s a good show.
“And then after the show, they line up again and the pilots will come over inside the fence we got there and give autographs,” he added.
Caldwell noted the “Snowbirds” also are an inspiration for aspiring pilots, pointing out several members of the current team started out as air cadets, not unlike those enrolled in the local 908 Rainy Lake Air Cadets.
It’s also noteworthy that the “Snowbirds” are commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, as well as the courageous airmen and hard-working ground crews who sacrificed so much during World War II.
The Battle of Britain was waged over three months—from July 11 until Oct. 31, 1940.
The Battle of Britain was the first military confrontation won by air power and Germany’s first defeat in WWII.
It also was the RCAF’s first opportunity to fight as Canada’s air force and represents a milestone in its history.
A total of 103 Canadians flew in the Battle of Britain, mainly as members of the No. 1 Fighter Squadron RCAF (later known as the 401 Fighter Squadron) and in the Royal Air Force’s 242 “All Canadian” squadron.
Much of their success is owed to the 300 Canadians who served as ground crew,—working around the clock to repair aircraft and have them in the air for the next attack.
The 431 Air Demonstration Squad has its root in WWII as a bomber squadron formed in 1942.
While the 431 Squadron did not participate in the Battle of Britain, members have, throughout their existence, shared a similar work ethic with those brave few who served in the Battle of Britain.
The “Snowbirds” will arrive here around 4 p.m. on Tuesday (June 9). They’ll fly over Rainy River District—from Rainy River to Fort Frances—at a height of 3,000 feet before landing.
Then there will be a meet-and-greet at La Place Rendez-Vous from 7-9 p.m., where the public can meet the “Snowbirds,” which is comprised of serving men and women of the Canadian Forces.
The cost is $5 and finger food will be available.
The “Snowbirds” will also be going to talk to students at Robert Moore and at Fort High on Wednesday morning.
The show follows the next day at 6 p.m.
The 908 Rainy Lake Air Cadets will hold a fundraiser barbecue starting at 4 p.m.
Caldwell said event-goers will be able to buy hotdogs and hamburgers for supper.
The visit by the “Snowbirds” is being held in lieu of the annual “Fly-in, Drive-in BBQ” at the airport.
Caldwell noted volunteers are needed to help with the event.
Anyone interested in lending a hand can call him at 274-3070.
