The Cold Lake Air Show, hosted by 4 Wing and CFB Cold Lake, is set to be a spectacular event on July 20 and 21, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF).
Rob Larson, Senior Manager of Personnel Support Programs (PSP) at 4 Wing Cold Lake, shared his excitement, “Attendees can expect an event that will challenge for the best Air Show in Canada from an aerial perspective and provide an unmatched on the ground experience. The Cold Lake Air Show has gained a reputation among spectators and performers alike for being first class. The show will entail a diverse aerial performance lineup, an on the ground aircraft static display that currently has over 60 aircraft that range from personal aircraft to fighter jets to support aircraft from three separate nations.”
The event offers more than just aerial displays, including a Classic Car Show celebrating the 60th Anniversary of the Ford Mustang and Pontiac GTO, a Kids Zone with inflatables, over 30 food trucks, and the unique experience of being on an active RCAF fighter base.
“This year's show has an ode to our past, present, and future through a variety of different means. It showcases our relationships with our allies through the significant support from the Italian Air Force and United States Air Force,” Larson says.
He adds, “It honors the past with planes such as the Lancaster and our civilian performers who all have ties to the RCAF as ex or current RCAF members. It showcases our present with all of the military volunteers and the planes both in the air and on the ground.”
One of the main attractions will be the future of air combat, “We then turn to the future with the F-35 Lightning II Demo Team which is Canada’s future fighter in addition to showcasing to the public the pride and professionalism that the Canadian Armed Forces continues to maintain and bring forward by putting on a world-class show. The show is well on its way to be the largest show that Cold Lake has put on with over 30,000 attendees over the weekend,” says Larson.
Attendees can look forward to a stunning lineup, according to Larson. "We’re thrilled to have the Italian Air Force’s Frecce Tricolori, the USAF’s F-35 Lightning II Demo Team, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, Skyhawks, and a CF-18 Demonstration."
"Additionally," he adds, "we’ll showcase a USAF C-17 & KC-135 Air-to-Air Refueling Demonstration, one of two flight-worthy Avro Lancaster Mk Ys, a P-40E Kittyhawk, the Northern Stars Aeroteam, Jim Hrymack in a Harvard Mark IV, and an F-22 teaser to start the show. We’ll also feature special flights involving multiple aircraft showcasing both the past and present."
The event isn't just about aerial displays. Larson explains that the Kids Zone is always popular with children. This year, it will feature inflatables, a tot zone, interactive characters, virtual reality, and more, all within the comfort of a fighter jet hangar. Kids will also have the chance to explore the taxiways and runway, engage with various teams, and even sit in the pilot’s seat of a CF18 Hornet.
Larson highlights the unique experience offered, “If people only show up from 12 to 4 to watch the show in the air, they’re missing a big part of what the Cold Lake Air Show is all about which is a full day of entertainment for all ages.”
Larson advises attendees to "bring water bottles, ear protection, and sunscreen, and to prepare for all different types of weather as shade is at a minimum out on an airfield."
"Mark your calendars for July 20 and 21 for an unforgettable celebration of the RCAF’s centennial at the Cold Lake Air Show!" says Larson.
For more information and updates, visit www.coldlakeairshow.com Download the Cold Lake Air Show app for the latest updates.
