Skip to content

Comox Air Show returns in August

Ticket prices the same as in 2013
33161comox09airshow
There will be a spike in air traffic on Aug. 15

Erin Haluschak

Record Staff

The 2015 Comox Air Show is taking off for the second time in three years.

Thursday morning, Col. Tom Dunne, 19 Wing commander, announced the base will host the show in conjunction with Comox Armed Forces Day Aug. 15.

“In choosing a theme for the event, we wanted to reflect the excellent support we receive from all of you, up and down the Comox Valley, as well as all throughout British Columbia,” he said. “In that vein, we’ve chosen to make the theme … Saluting the Community We Serve.”

He added the base will open its doors as a thank you to the community.

Maj. Mary Lee, 19 Wing public affairs officer, noted the organizing committee is building upon the success of the 2013 Comox Air Show, which hosted around 15,000 spectators — the largest single day event in the Valley.

She revealed some of the details to be included in the show, which will see the Canadian Forces Snowbirds — who train annually in the Valley every April — close the show, and will feature a mix of military and civilian acts.

There will also be an array of vintage and U.S. military aircraft for ground static displays.

The CF-18 demonstration team (whose theme is focused on the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain) will also join the Snowbirds, along with the Skyhawks Parachute Team.

19 Wing will also display their own aircraft, added Lee, who said the 407 Long Range Patrol Squadron Aurora 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron Buffalo and Cormorant will be featured.

Civilian performers include Manfred Radius, Dan Buchanan and Gene Soucy with his wing-walker Teresa Stokes.

Dunne said by all accounts, the previous show in 2013 was “fabulous,” but added there are always areas for improvement.

“The main areas … that we would want to focus on improving is there was a fair amount of traffic congestion on departure from the show. Any ways we can mitigate traffic lineups as people go to leave the show … and more access to satellite parking.”

He added another area is food services, hoping to improve upon long lineups and increasing the amount of vendors from the previous show.

Dunne noted while he will be organizing his first air show, he has organized open houses in the past and hopes the impact of this year’s show will be as prominent for an aspiring pilot as it was for him.

“I love air shows, I love the positive energy and the vibrancy that come from it. I also was a youngster going to air shows and before I made the choice, I’m sure it had an impact to become a pilot in the Royal Canadian Air Force. I’ve got a very soft spot in my heart for air shows.”

General admission to the show will remain the same as in 2013 — $20 for adults, $10 for youth and $5 for veterans and cadets in uniform.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/comoxairshow or on Twitter @ComoxAirshow.

photos@comoxvalleyrecord.com