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Abbotsford
International Airshow has a Proud History
Photos and
story by Ed Anderson
 In
keeping with true Abbotsford tradition of
spectacular, colorful and exciting surprises,
Abbotsford in 1986, became the first Airshow in
North America to host five world- class military
air demonstration teams. In 1989 and 1993, we saw
the first U.S.S.R. contingent to visit North
America with MIG 29's, an IL-76 and the AH-225, the
worlds largest transport aircraft. 1992 saw the
only appearance in North America of the "Russian
Knights" SU-27 air demonstration
team.
Set in the
heart of the beautiful Fraser Valley with Mt Baker,
WA as a backdrop, the Abbotsford International
Airshow is one of the premier airshows in
North America in terms of attendance and numbers of
aircraft. Designated "Canada's National Airshow" by
the Government of Canada in the early 1970's, the
average attendance for the three day event has been
upwards of 200,000. Also, the Abbotsford Airshow
hosts representatives from approximately 25
countries, including Ambassadors, Consuls General
and Military Attaches.
{Compiled in
part from information provided by the Abbotsford
Airshow Society).
In
1962, a small group ofAirshow Enthusiasts got
together and decided to put on an air show. The
people were members of the local Rotary Club and
the Abbotsford Flying Club. These clubs sponsored
the first show and went on to host a second show in
1963.
The air show
continued to grow in the 1960's becoming a rather
large event. At the close of the 1966 show it was
decided that a special show would be planned for
the 1967 centennial year. The Centennial Air Show
Society was formed. Upon closing a very successful
1967 show , members of the 'Society' decided to
continue on a more permanent basis. The Abbotsford
International Airshow was born!
The
Abbotsford International Airshow Society is a
non profit society whose purpose is to produce
a flying event that will be enjoyable entertainment
for those who attend, promote aviation and operate
financially so as to produce the event on an annual
basis.
Each year
hundreds of volunteers provide the talent and hard
work while a variety of sponsors and donors provide
the necessary funding for this special event. The
volunteer force is made up of persons from all
walks of life, many of whom volunteer directly to
the Airshow organization while others come on
through the numerous service club organizations,
such as Rotary, Kiwanis, the Boy Scouts/Girl
Guides/Military Cadets, the Military at large, St.
Johns Ambulance and numerous other community
organizations, plus support from a multitude of
Corporate Sponsers and Contributors.
The
Abbotsford International Airshow is a source of
pride for Abbotsford and all of British Columbia
which will continue to enrich the community and
thrill and inspire thousands of people each year.
So don't forget to take in the Abbotsford Airshow,
a great weekend for the entire family.
Last year,
the 39th 'Big Show' featured performers that
included; Jimmy Franklin/Carol Pilon in the Super
Waco, Bud Granley and his Air Force, Dan Buchanan,
Hang Glider, Rich Perkins - L-39 Firecat, Kent
Pietsch - Interstate Cadet and many others,
Warbirds, Military Demos. Static Displays, ground
shows, etc. etc.
http://www.abbotsfordairshow.com/
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