David (left) and Drew (right) Watson in front of their Harvard MK 4 aircraft at 15 Wing Moose Jaw. This plane, along with their Harvard MK IIb, will be seen at this weekend’s Saskatchewan Airshow. (Photo: Moises Canales/620 CKRM)
After 14 years, the Saskatchewan Airshow makes its return to the Land of Living Skies this weekend.
The show will be hosted once again at the Canadian Forces Base in Moose Jaw, also known as 15 Wing Moose Jaw.
The two-day event will feature performances from a number of vintage and fighter aircrafts from different parts of North America, along with displays to allow people the chance to see the aircrafts up close.
Some of the anticipated acts include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds based in Moose Jaw and a F-16 Viper Demo Team from the United States.
Colonel Denis O’Reilly, the Commander of 15 Wing, said bringing back the event was overdue, but he’s glad it has returned.
“We think it’s really important to open our doors,” said Col. O’Reilly. “After 75 years of important aviation history in our province, it’s time to open our doors again after 14 years and say welcome back to the air base,”
I’m here at 15 Wing Moose Jaw for the Saskatchewan Airshow Media Day. Beautiful weather at the base as we get a sneak peak of what’s to come on Saturday and Sunday. #SaskAirshow pic.twitter.com/WuuxXBIOq2
— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) July 4, 2019
These Harvard MK 4 and Harvard MK IIb planes will be at this weekend’s Saskatchewan Airshow in #MooseJaw. They’ll be piloted by David and Drew Watson.
Pretty neat to see these big boys up close. #SaskAirshow pic.twitter.com/zpaO3J6dw8
— Moises Canales (@MoisesCanalesJr) July 4, 2019
O’Reilly explained how the process to put this show together after such a long break was a two-year journey. Countless organizers from the base, sponsors and volunteers helped make this weekend a reality for the base.
Major Regan Wickett, the Director for the 2019 Saskatchewan Airshow, said the show was made possible after the government and business partners from Moose Jaw, the province and Western Canada stepped up financially to support the event.
Money was the issue nearly a decade and a half ago when it was announced the show would not be returning. Now, Wickett and his crew are proud to re-introduce the fun-filled occasion to the people of Saskatchewan.
“I grew up going to these shows and I’m personally very emotionally charged about seeing this come back,” mentioned Maj. Wickett . “Hopefully this re-energizes the community and offers people some motivation to people who want to get into aviation or get into the Canadian Armed Forces.”
15 Wing is anticipating as many as 25,000 to 30,000 people per day. As of last week, over 18,000 tickets were issued to the public.
According to their website, all proceeds will go into the military community through subsidized programming and events for members and families of the air base.
To find out information regarding tickets, times and more for the Saskatchewan Airshow, visit their homepage here.
