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Airport
Manager Rick Reed AnnounceTraffic Increase at
Abbotsford International Airport
Text
of Rick Reed's letter
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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