The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will perform a full hometown show over Moose Jaw’s Municipal Airport (MJMA) this Saturday, and excitement is already sky-high.
The sold-out event is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, with gates opening at 12 noon.
More than 500 vehicles are expected on-site for a rare chance to see the world-famous 431 Air Demonstration Squadron fly over home turf. The Snowbirds make an effort each year to try and have a home show at the MJMA, but weather conditions and the flight plans of migrating birds have thrown frequent wrenches into the plans — organizers are hopeful that moving from a fall date to mid-summer will help this year's event proceeds without problems.
“We’re really excited about the Snowbirds hometown airshow,” said Greg Simpson, chair of the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to host them right here. They spend so much of the year training and performing across North America — it means a lot to have them fly over Moose Jaw.”
The airshow starts at 2 p.m., with organizers asking all attendees to be parked by 1:30 p.m. due to limited access along the airport’s rural road. Tickets were sold by vehicle at $40 each, and proceeds will go toward building a new grass crosswind runway at the airport.
“Crosswind runways improve safety, especially for students and smaller aircraft,” Simpson explained. “It’s a really important infrastructure upgrade that will make our airport more accessible on windy days.”
This weekend’s event benefits from years of recent work by the MJMA Authority, in which they have fundraised and advocated for the local airport. A 2022 runway extension was their most successful project, giving them an upgrade from 3,000 to 4,000 feet. That upgrade allowed the Snowbirds to begin winter training over Moose Jaw’s municipal field — eventually opening the door for this public summer showcase.
“We’ve had weather and even bird issues in the past,” Simpson said. “But this year, the Snowbirds were gracious enough to offer a summer date — and it’s worked out beautifully.”
Several community partners have made the event possible, including CAE, Serco, the City of Moose Jaw, Sasktix, the Moose Jaw Flying Club, and the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority itself.
“It’s really been a team effort,” Simpson said. “And we’re all just hoping for great weather and a smooth day.”