Members of the Barrie Airshow Committee are being recognized for planning this year’s record-breaking event under a tight deadline.
“Tonight, we’d like to recognize the great work of the [Barrie Airshow] Committee,” said Mayor Alex Nuttall during a council sessions.
“Typically, an air show of this size takes about nine months of planning and preparation. But in 2024, this incredible group was able to execute one in just 11 weeks.”
Held from June 14-16, the 2024 Barrie Airshow drew record crowds of close to 140,000 people, injecting an estimated $11 million into the local economy. It featured stunt flying demonstrations by civilian and military pilots. It also featured 200 drones performing precision maneuvers over Kempenfelt Bay.
According to Hon. Col. Wayne Hay, the chair of the Barrie Airshow Committee, officials from Canadian Forces Base Borden, the regional airport and numerous public servants also played important roles in ensuring the success of the event.
“First and foremost, I’d like to thank the city of Barrie,” said Hay. “It’s a bold move to host an air show and a bolder move to host one that was just 11 weeks in the making. . . . Without the support of council and the city, we would never have made it happen.”
The event coincided with the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Royal Canadian Air Force. To celebrate the milestone, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds flew over Lake Simcoe in tight formations. The SkyHawks, a parachute demonstration team, also performed a series of daring manoeuvres.
Nuttall highlighted the efforts of four military officials who liaised with the Committee. For their efforts, Col. Jennifer Armstrong, Lt.Col. Kevin Brown, Lt. Col. Lyle Holbrook and Jennifer Goodfellow, a senior manager of personnel support programs, each received certificates of recognition from the city.
