Airshow gets set to move 10,000 spectators
Airshow gets set to move 10,000 spectators
Posted 3 years ago
The Northern Lights Airshow is rolling merrily down the runway, though still in need of volunteers for the event.
The airshow on July 21 will be the first time in more than a decade that the nationally renowned Snowbirds team will perform in Fort McMurray, despite a tragic accident affecting the team in May.
?It?s been a challenge to get them here,? said Glen Fleming, chairman of the board of directors for the airshow.
Six other local and well-known aerobatic performers will be present, and recently John Mrazek was slated to replace Doug Jardine in a SU-26 aerobatic plane.
The event is as much a festival, however, with a pyrotechnics display, helicopter tours, live local performers and games and activities for children. The event will benefit a half-dozen youth organizations in Fort McMurray, including the Boys & Girls Club and Big Brother/Big Sisters, once costs for the expensive event are covered.
The main challenges right now for event planners are volunteer recruitment and traffic control headed out to the airport, though a park and ride operation is being choreographed as a solution.
?We have an excellent system in place,? said Angele Dobie, marketing and communications coordinator for the airshow, remarking the plan that was developed to manage traffic.
There are 24 acres of open space set aside at the Keyano College -- Suncor Energy Heavy Industrial Campus on MacKenzie Boulevard to park the 3,000 to 4,000 vehicles expected to bring an anticipated 10,000 people to the event. Diversified buses will run constantly in the morning, starting at 9 a.m., to the airport and back by way of the rear route out of the industrial park, and rides are free with the price of a ticket. The airport is just five minutes away, said Dobie.
?I think people will find it more convenient than trying to find a place to park otherwise,? she said. The only cars allowed at the airport that day will be taxis and those carrying airline passengers, though almost all scheduled flights have been cancelled that day.
Those who already have tickets -- they can be picked up at Heritage Park or the Fort McMurray Tourism Office -- will be sent immediately to the buses and dropped off at the terminal.
Because of bus safety rules, no folding chairs will be allowed -- nor will coolers, skates or bicycles -- co-ordinators are working to set up bleachers and provide folding chairs for rent at the airport. Wheelchairs will be allowed and special needs transportation will be provided.
Fleming also said the availability of volunteers is a concern. The event has attracted about 100 now, but at least another 50 are welcome, hopefully in groups from local organizations.
And there are some benefits to volunteering. An all day pass to the event, transportation specially put on for the volunteers, and airshow t-shirts. Planners have guaranteed that volunteers handling parking will be shuttled out to the event later in day to be a part of the festival.
Just 10,000 tickets are being sold this year, based on estimates of what the airport and transportation system can support. In 1991, when Fort McMurray was half its present size, 10,000 people flooded the airport for a half-day impromptu Snowbirds demonstration. As a result, organizers suggest that everyone buy tickets as soon as possible to ensure they don?t miss out.
Dobie pointed out the impact of the such festivals in the quality of life for Fort McMurray, and that ?it needs to be supported (by the community) to continue.?
More information and a volunteer application form are on the event?s website: northernlightsairshow.com.
