File PhotoO/Rocky View Publishing

The organizing committee for this year's Airdrie Air Show recently announced the famous military aerobatics squadron, seen here performing at the 2011 show, will return for this year's event to be held in July.

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Airdrie Air Show secures Snowbirds team for 2013

The Royal Canadian Air Force 431 Demonstration Squadron, better known as the Royal Canadian Snowbirds, will again visit Airdrie on July 13 and 14 for the 2013 Airdrie Air Show.

Air Show Chairman Al Jones said he is excited about the Snowbirds confirming their performance at this year’s event, but said it means more to the volunteers who put the whole thing together.

“I am absolutely thrilled,” said Jones.

“It shows that the hard work of the volunteers for the past two air show’s is appreciated by the Canadian Military.”

To book the Snowbirds, Jones said it was necessary to make the request more than a year in advance, and organizers didn’t find out until February, when the Snowbirds release their schedule.

“We were pretty sure we had them after Christmas,” said Jones.

“(They) add a level of talent and aviation skill that is unmatched.

If there are such things as groupies for pilots, there are people that come to see the snowbirds, that’s the main thing they want to see.”

Along with the Snowbirds, Jones announced organizers have confirmed Team Oracle’s Sean Tucker, a civilian aerobatics performer.

“The stuff this guy does is absolutely insane. He is classified as one of the world’s best stunt fliers,” Jones said. “He does stuff that most people wouldn’t dream of doing.”

The first Airdrie Air Show was held in 2009 at the Airdrie Airport.

The 2011 version of the biannual event drew more than 30,000 people.

Jones said the events also bring in money for Airdrie businesses.

“That equates to an economic spinoff of (about) $1.5 million to the community,” said Jones. “Not only is it a lot of fun and a great fundraiser, but its good for the community as a whole.”

Without volunteers and sponsors, the Airdrie Air Show would not happen, but Jones said with only five months to the show, more volunteers are needed.

“We are going to need about 300 volunteers in total. Some are going to come from some local community groups,” said Jones.

“During the show we will need people to pick up garbage, people to help with setup and tear down. There are lots of different volunteers needed of all ages and experiences.”

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Airdrie Air Show is encouraged to contact Chris Gourlie of the organizing committee at 403-479-8104. For more information about the event, visit www.airdrieairshow.com