After 14-year hiatus, Saskatchewan Airshow returns

There’s a whole new meaning to the land of the living skies.

The Saskatchewan Airshow returned after a 14-year absence to 15 Wing Moose Jaw.  The last show was in 2005 and ended in tragedy after two American pilots collided mid-air, both losing their lives in the incident.

Moose Jaw’s air base was full to capacity Saturday, with some show-goers being turned away and forced to watch from the highway.

Visitors came from all around the province to take in the show, which featured British planes from the Second World War era, the famous Canadian Snowbirds, and an array of helicopters.

For Don McDonald, a retired veteran, the return of the airshow is something special.

“It’s something that us guys who were in the military hated to see go,” said McDonald, who also had a booth at the airshow for group of local veterans. “It highlights the Canadian military, all the things we have, and showcases it to the public, which is great.”

For those there to be awed by aerobatics, the airshow has been a long time coming.

Roxanne Rath attended her first airshow and was impressed with the experience.

“The planes are really cool of course,” said Rath. “Some of them are pretty amazing. It’s good for kids. They get to climb in there, and every air person I’ve ran into has been really friendly.”

Kirby Woodman, who’s been to the Saskatchewan Airshow before, said the return has been highly anticipated as well.

“I like to see the static displays,” said Woodman. “But I’m looking for some real serious jet action here as well.”

Moose Jaw locals especially welcome the airshow and what it means to the city and its economy.

“The community I think is in a hole and hurting a bit,” said Rath. “But I think this will be awesome not just for the vendors down here but hotels, grocery stores, everybody I think is going to benefit.”

The airshow is set to continue moving forward.