Come for cake and beer to celebrate iconic aircraft's 75th

A very special 75th birthday celebration is coming up for the De Havilland Beaver, an iconic aircraft that organizers of the event say opened up remote parts of Canada, including northern Ontario.

One of Canada’s most iconic aircraft is celebrating its 75th birthday this year and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre is inviting everyone this Sunday to come celebrate.

The De Havilland Beaver aircraft at the museum was left behind by the Ontario Provincial Air Service when it vacated the hanger on Sault Ste. Marie’s waterfront. The museum was literally built around the Beaver and it is even featured in the CBHC’s logo.

Designated CF-OBS, the Beaver at CBHC was the very first off the production line when it was built in 1948.

Jacob Zaccaria, digital marketing and IT professional for CBHC said the Beaver is an iconic aircraft not just in Canada, but beyond.

“It could take off and land almost anywhere, so it opened up all kinds of possibilities — not just in the north, but in remote parts of countries the world over,” said Zaccaria. “It’s not the fastest thing out there, but it’s a very reliable workhorse of a plane that has left a huge impact on Canada and the world.”

Over the years, Beavers and other bush planes have delivered countless food, supplies, people and medicine to remote communities across the north.

“There is so much it has done, not just for Canada but the world at large, that it is hard to encapsulate it all in one exhibit,” said Zaccaria.

About 1,600 Beavers were built before De Havilland ceased production in 1967, but many are still flying today.

Although it hasn’t flown in a couple of years due to COVID-19, Zaccaria said CF-OBS is still air worthy today. 

A Beaver Birthday Bash celebration is being held on Sunday at the CBHC from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with a party and all-new exhibit for the iconic aircraft.

Tim Murphy, education assistant with CBHC, said there is only one Beaver older than the CF-OBS — an earlier prototype first flown in Downsview, Ont. in 1947.

The Beaver was built to the specifications of legendary pilot Clennell ‘Punch’ Dickins, who consulted other bush pilots for their wish lists for an all-new Canadian-built bush plane.

“He got 80 different pilots to put their input in and make a list of what they wanted, right down to six ashtrays for the passengers,” said Murphy.

The result was a rugged but manoeuvrable propeller-driven aircraft that could take off and land on a dime.

Local actor Jarrett Mills is playing the role of the legendary pilot in videos as part of the all-new exhibit.

“He’s bringing Punch to life to tell the story of the Beaver,” said Murphy.

People will be able to experience an all new flight simulator experience featuring the Beaver with manual controls. Zaccaria said the museum hopes to add a virtual reality component to the simulator in the near future.

Sunday’s celebration will also feature all-day live music spanning the 75 year time frame the Beaver has been in operation, as well as food, drink and games. 

Northern Superior Brewery has also brewed a special lager for the celebration named the Tipsy Beaver.

“We had a sampling of it the other day and it’s phenomenal,” said Murphy.

Admission to the event is by donation.

“We certainly appreciate donations but we are not going to tell anyone they can’t come if they can’t afford it, so everyone is welcome,” said Murphy. “We really want to invite the whole community to come out and celebrate with us and show them we can put on a great party.”

The Beaver Birthday Bash runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 14. The event includes:
    •    Live bands covering 70 years of hits
    •    New Beaver flight simulator and exhibit
    •    Beaver-themed games: aviator rubber ducky races, flying contests
    •    Silent Auction including an original painting by Tania Taraniuk-Caputo
    •    Beaver Tales from real bush pilots who have piloted the Beaver
    •    Model building and painting workshops (visit the web site for booking details)
    •    BBQ, beer and birthday cake