The Manitoba Airshow is back at Southport after the last show planned was cancelled due to Covid restrictions. The 2024 event has been in the works for several years and will be one of the biggest ever.
Director of development for the Southport Airshow, Colby Orchard says it was lots of work to get everything set for this year’s airshow and he added there are some unique events and air activity lined up for the weekend.
“The Manitoba Airshow is designated an RCAF 100 event, the Centennial year of the Royal Canadian Air Force. With that, we have some amazing acts that are coming out, like the Snowbirds, the CF-18 demonstration team, and the Skyhawks Parachute team.”
Orchard adds one of the biggest pieces of the airshow is going to be the Lancaster bomber. The Lancaster was a WWII aircraft which is unique to the airshow this year. It arrived in Southport earlier this week and airshow organizers and volunteers are looking forward to seeing its performance.
Orchard comments there is something for everyone this weekend in Southport as they also have food trucks, beer gardens, and something special to keep the kids entertained.
“For the kids, we have a young aviator's tent. This provides an opportunity for kids to get their hands on some activities with aviation and understand what a future career might look like.”
The static displays are sure to be another weekend highlight. He says there are currently over 30 displays planned, but there are still some more flying in.
“We have some amazing things such as RCAF pieces in the static displays. As well as one of the Jets will be on static, which you can get up close and personal. There are just a lot of different unique pieces to see.”
The gates open early at 9:00 on both days, and they have planned the same airshow for Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available through their website, and the airshows will be starting at noon each day.
People are flying out from all over Canada for the airshow so make sure you don’t miss it. Project Patio will be there both days with our draw box and some cold water for the warm weekend.
With files from Ryan Simpson