Erin Haluschak
Record Staff
With an increased number of food vendors, designated buses and a secure bike lock-up, next month’s Comox Air Show is looking to soar with patrons.
Building on the 2013 Air Show, which returned to the Comox Valley following nearly a 10-year hiatus, Maj. Mary Lee, publicity director for the show, explained organizers hope to attract more than 15,000 people to CFB Comox Aug. 15.
“We are opening our doors and want to salute the community we serve,” she said and added the show will feature flying and static displays, including the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 demo team and a new addition - the Canadian Forces SkyHawks - Canada’s only military parachute demo team.
At the 2013 show, traffic flow - primarily at the end of the show near the exit area - was an issue, and Lee said organizers have worked hard to create a traffic plan to ease congestion both entering and exiting the parking area.
Patrons driving to the show are asked to take either Lerwick Road to Guthrie Road and then to Pritchard Road or Anderton Road to access Knight Road.
Entry for parking to the show will be accessed through Glacier Greens Golf Course, with two exit locations for vehicles leaving the parking area.
Although parking is available, Lee is encouraging patrons to take either public transit through a park-and-ride system with a designated route for the air show, or to take bikes with a secure lock-up compound and separate pedestrian entrance.
Transit park-and-ride locations are available at the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds and North Island College. There is no charge for the service, which is estimated to be in 15-minute intervals, but a donation is welcome to help cover the cost of the service.
For travellers flying in or out of the Comox Valley Airport from Aug. 14 to 16, Christianne Wile, manager of marketing and public communications for the airport commission, noted airport patrons have a designated route to follow.
“A special access route via Ryan Road and Military Row has been designated to help airport users avoid traffic congestion from the Comox Air Show,” she explained and added a special YQQ Airport Access Pass is available for download on the airport’s website at www.comoxairport.com.
While the pass isn’t required for access on the Ryan Road route, it is encouraged to aid traffic flow.
Wile also added to expect delays and arrive early for flights, as some commercial aircraft will be parked in a different location and passengers will require busing to get to their plane.
Gates for the air show will open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m., with post-show entertainment. Flying commences at 11 a.m.
For more information, a detailed list of performers, displays, maps, and permitted items, visit comoxairshow.ca or follow the Comox Air Show on Facebook and Twitter.