Manitoba to host largest air show province has seen in years

The first air show in the province in more than six years is taking aim at runways outside of Manitoba's Portage la Prairie in the coming months.

The show, which is scheduled for June at the Southport Airport, will include the Snowbirds;ateam of CF-18s, the SkyHawks, which is a parachute team,World War II aircraftand others.

The Manitoba chapter of the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of women pilots, is leading the air show this year and they are asking private companies for support since the show has become a charitable event. The Canadian Armed Forces and volunteers from the community are asked to help with the show, too.

Between 5,000 and10,000 spectators are expected, which means roughly 350 volunteers are needed.

Since the air show hasn't flown through Manitoba since 2009, a number of youth have never seen it said Edwin Ulrich, the show's media director.

"So, people don't know what to expect," he said.

But, Ulrich said the air show is not the only thing to see there will also be a fashion show, a car show and a display of vintage aircraft.

According to the Ninety-Nines, it is an opportunity for people who attend to gain an education about aviation through interactive displays that explain how an aircraft is weighed and balanced, and how to communicate with flight control. Free flights for students will also be part of the show, although space is limited.

An abundance of space surrounding Southport Airport was a motivating factor in moving the show there from the airport in Winnipeg. During previous air shows in the city,flight demonstrations had to be staggered around commercial flightsarrivingand departingout of the main terminal.

The only interruption at SouthportAirport will be shutting down the nearbygolf course, which issoutheast of the runway.

Ticket prices start at $10 and children under 12 can attend the show for free.