Snowbirds put on amazing show, as always

The fine weather was a big factor in the success of the Snowbirds appearance at the Niagara District Airport last Wednesday, says volunteer Cheryl Morris.

The forecast had been for rain and scattered thunderstorms, which cast doubt on the chances that the Snowbirds could perform at all. “But the morning dawned with clear skies and summer warmth, which contributed to a big sigh of relief from the organizers, and the ticket holders as well.”

More than 2.000 people attended and were treated to a spectacular show, including a vintage aircraft display with a DC3 war plane, which captured the attention of young and old, said Morris.

Food and souvenir vendors, as well as information booths from the Niagara Historical Society and Museum, Friends of Fort George, Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library, Parks Canada, Royal Canadian Air Cadets, were kept busy. The Geronimo! Skydiving performers wore the Canadian red & white colours as they descended with red smoke trails from high up in the sky. 

And then the Snowbirds marched out to the roaring of aircraft engines, exciting the crowd close to the runway.

“The show began with the famous loops and perfect formations well-known to all. People were awed by the intricate precision, especially when two aircraft, one upside down, one right side up, became one entity, as they flew what seemed to be just inches apart from each other. ‘Amazing’ is just a word; the Snowbirds personify it,” said Morris.

After their performance, the pilots signed autographs for the audience, always a big thrill for everyone, Snowbirds included.

“The team loves the social aspect of what they do, and hope to act as inspiration for young people.”

The Snowbirds also visited the VIP section, posing for photos, signing autographs and talking with many of the guests and their children, said Morris.

The event’s organizing committee, headed by Mona Babin, was formed in late 2018.

“The target was to raise funds for the Niagara Historical Society and Museum, to help with their expansion and renovation plans. They are very pleased with the results, and while the final figures are not calculated yet, they are much closer to their goal, with some help from the weather,” said Morris.

(Photos by Rene Bertschi, Cosmo Condina and Mario Iaizzo)