Nova Scotia International Air Show will be a big one, officials say during visit to Yarmouth

The show will include demonstrations by the Snowbirds, the SkyHawks parachute team and a CF-18 aircraft and there will be lots to see as part of the show’s static displays, with almost 20 aircraft expected to be on the ground, among them the massive C-5 Galaxy.

Highlights of the show include the visit of heritage aircraft, notably the Hawk One F-86 Sabre and PBY-5A Canso.

Monday’s press conference at the Yarmouth airport gave air show officials a chance to introduce Yarmouth resident Jim McRae – a veteran of the Second World War and former Canso pilot – as the show’s honorary chairman. “We’re very proud that he has accepted our invitation (to serve as honorary chair),” said Tony Goode, chairman of the air show’s board of directors.

Referring to how things are going in preparation for the air show, he said, “We’re amazed by the level of community support…We’ve got a very exciting show for you.”

The show will celebrate the centennial of flight with performances by “extremely rare aviation acts,” according to an air show media release, while there will be lots for people to do and see besides what’s happening in the air. “It’s an eight-hour day…(there will be) lots happening on the ground,” said Colin Stephenson, the air show’s executive director, referring to the time spectators will need to take in all the show has to offer.

Organizers have made a point, he said, of ensuring the weekend is packed with displays, demonstrations and entertainment. “It’s full,” he said. “If you’re going to put that much effort into it and put all those resources together, you may as well maximize your effort and get all of the military, all of the heritage, all of the exciting civilian stuff, and bring it all at once because you don’t get to do it that often and so we want to go big."

Said Goode, the air show’s board chairman, “This is the same (show) as it would have been in Halifax. Nothing has been left out to bring it to Yarmouth. This is exactly the same kind of show that we would have put on in Halifax had that been the location for this year, so Yarmouth is getting the full-meal deal.”

Show organizers also have activities planned for veterans.

Tickets for the Nova Scotia International Air Show are $45 for a family package and $15 for adults and can be purchased at the gate on the day of the show.