Dear editor,
First and foremost, I think the air show was fantastic.
The weather in the days leading up to it were sketchy but it turned out perfect on show day. All the performances were great.
Even though I have seen them countless times, I was most proud when the Snowbirds flew overhead to the delight of my visiting family and friends. First class!
I do, however, have a few minor criticisms that could be taken into consideration in future shows.
Firstly, I purchased my tickets (13 of them!) at the Canex next to the base. Nowhere printed on the ticket was any indication that I should read a list of restricted items that would not be allowed on the base.
I had a cooler with our lunch and some bottled water. The cooler was confiscated, even after full inspection. Coolers were on a list I knew nothing about.
In hindsight, yes, it makes sense, as it is a military base. But I had never thought about it.
Perhaps the powers that be should not assume that everyone has access to the Internet and has seen everything online or read the local papers — some people came from elsewhere. A simple "check www.comoxvalleyairshow.com (or such) for gate restrictions" printed on the tickets is an easy fix.
Secondly, the amount of vendors was sadly lacking. One hour and 45 minutes in a lineup for food or drink is unacceptable especially since you were dumping drinks and seizing stuff at the gate. Fortunately, it was an air show and wherever you were you just had to look up and see, whether in a lawn chair or a food lineup.
My last and biggest complaint (mild — I loved the show) was the public address system. There wasn't one.
It was a private address system. Every now and then I would hear music or speaking coming from over in the" white tent" area, but over by the hangars, the food line ups and "cheap seats" there was nothing! Not even a crappy speaker, which is the case at times in some venues.
There was no "program" handed to me when I got in so with no announcements I didn't know what plane was flying or spinning around overhead of me. I have watched the Snowbirds countless times as I mentioned and the "white tent" crowd was told the pilot names, their home town, etc.
I spent $240 taking my family to the show. Unfortunately, I did not bring my laptop to go online to see who was flying and what they were flying. Only those with smart phones knew what was going on.
But then again, perhaps my laptop would have been seized at the gate — I had no idea.
Again, great, great show. These are minor easy fixes.
It's a privilege living in a country where we have these events to go to.
I can't wait for the next one!
Steve Hawkins,
Comox