The first performance of 2016 for the Canadian Armed Forces Snowbirds was on Friday at 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
A large number of spectators came to watch the acrobatic flying of the 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, and they did not leave disappointed. A number of tricks, rolls, and formations were artistically done by the skillful pilots.
Lt.-Col. Brad Wintrup, commanding officer of the Snowbirds, was on the ground watching the show and was pleased with the attendance. He said that most people who come to the shows are military or have military backgrounds, but they are starting to see a lot more non-military people enjoying the day and shows as well, which he believes is a great thing.
“We’re trying to kind of re-invigorate our relationship with the city of Moose Jaw and the province of Saskatchewan, so I’m starting to invite more people to come out.”
The Snowbirds come from all across the nation and for many of them, including Wintrup, flying in this group has been a lifelong dream.
“I joined the Canadian Forces specifically because of the Snowbirds,” said Wintrup. “I saw them fly in 1971 and I thought, when I was a kid, I need to figure out some way I can do that.”
The Snowbirds will be performing in over 39 locations across Canada and the United States in 2016.