Airdrie Air Show committee receives $65K in gift-in-kind support

Airdrie City Council unanimously approved nearly $65,000 worth of gift-in-kind support for the 2013 Airdrie Regional Air Show, Sept. 4.

The decision was made after a presentation by the committee about the event, which will take place July 13 and 14, 2013.

“The City of Airdrie is one of our most valuable partners,” said Al Jones of the Airdrie Regional Air Show Committee. “The airport resides within the city now that the land has been annexed, so it was important that they were supportive.”

The City’s gift-in-kind donation will cover everything from permit fees and road closure signage to municipal enforcement, RCMP and Airdrie Fire Department costs.

During the presentation, Jones said the two-day 2011 Airdrie Regional Air Show drew more than 30,000 spectators and created an economic spinoff of nearly $1.5 million.

As it is a not-for-profit event, the show also gives a portion of its profits to the community. In 2011, the committee gave back $6,000 to various community groups.

Mayor Peter Brown, who is chair of the organization committee, said the air show also promotes arts and culture within the city on top of creating a beneficial economic spinoff.

“It’s about bringing in businesses and bringing potential customers to Airdrie,” he said.

“We surpassed 30,000 spectators in 2011 and we’re expecting even more for 2013. It’s about showcasing Airdrie and now that the airport is within Airdrie, it’s even more exciting. It was a very easy decision (for Council to support the show). It’s always great exposure and tons of fun.”

While the committee is still in the early planning stages for the 2013 show, Jones confirmed that one of the acts returning will be the Canadian Forces Snowbirds. Other acts and talent have yet to be determined.

“We’re still discussing what we want,” Jones said. “We’ll definitely have the Snowbirds back. They’re always a crowd favourite and I don’t think there’s another act in the world that can touch them. We’ll be letting the community know as we get contracts with various performers.

Echoing Brown, Jones said the show is an excellent place to gain exposure within the community through sponsorship.

“It’s a great event to get on board with,” he said. “It’s 30,000 people recognizing you for being a part of what makes this show a success.”