The Vanderhoof International Airshow will return once again this summer, but it will look different than how it has in prior years.
According to event organizers, the airshow is a go for August 3rd but will morph from a traditional airshow into “The Masters of the Air Exhibition.”
“Due to the wildfire danger that we are afraid of happening this year, we have mixed things up a little,” Cindy Daly, an airshow spokesperson, told My Nechako Valley Now. “We are doing more of an exhibition as opposed to an airshow.”
Under the exhibition format, this year will only feature four types of planes – a P-51D Mustang, Harvard Mk4, P-40E Kittyhawk, and the headliner: a B-17 Flying Fortress.
Guests can book tours, or even flights, in any of these planes in Vanderhoof on August 3rd.
Tours of the B-17 are also being arranged at the Prince George International Airport on August 1st.
Prices and information for tour and flight booking is not yet available, but the Airshow says that information will be posted to its website.
“The kids really need to learn about the history. For me, that is a big factor in not canceling the airshow and going with the new format,” Daly said.
“The airplanes we have coming this year are pretty phenomenal and getting a ride in them is a pretty amazing thing for kids and adults alike.”
She added in future years where wildfires and smoke are hopefully less of a pressing concern, they hope to return to a full airshow format.
“It is tough with the fires and it is tough with the price of fuel,” Daly added. “We would really like to see thousands come out again, mainly for the history and the fascinated children watching the airshow happen, the light in their eyes and how joyful they are.”
There will also be food, aviation related vendors, a 50/50, and child care through the YMCA at the main exhibition in Vanderhoof.
Admission is $10 per adult and $5 per kids 12 and under.