Look up! Snowbirds to soar over waterfront this Saturday

An air show that promises to thrill young and old is coming to the Sault this weekend.

The Snowbirds, the renowned Canadian Forces air demonstration team, is set perform on the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront this Saturday, Sept. 21, at 2 p.m.

The event will showcase precision flying and formation changes, offering an unforgettable experience for all who attend, the City of Sault Ste. Marie said in a news release.

To start the show, the Sault’s very own Major Dion Marson – call sign "Gottem" – will roar through the skies in a jaw-dropping high-speed pass in a CF-18 Hornet fighter jet!

"This heart-pounding spectacle will kick off the display as Major Marson showcases the sheer power and precision of Canada’s iconic fighter aircraft," the city said.

The air display will be focused over the St. Marys River between the International Bridge and Topsail Island and above the downtown core and surrounding areas allowing for optimal viewing along the waterfront and other points across the city. 

Spectators at Clergue Park, the Roberta Bondar Pavilion and the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre will hear live audio commentary during the display.

The city said for the best view, attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs and watch at one of the following locations along the waterfront:

• Bellevue Park
• Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
• Clergue Park
• Miss Marie Lock Tour Boat Snowbirds Charter (tickets available for purchase)
• Roberta Bondar Park and Pavilion
• The Boardwalk

Free parking is available in public lots and on side streets.

"Please be respectful of private parking," the city said. "Arriving early is recommended, as large crowds are expected."

Event schedule:

• 10 a.m. – Bushplane Days begin at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre
• 12 p.m. – 2310 Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps and 155 Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron Combined Pipe and Drum Band at Clergue Park
• 12:30 p.m. – Sault Ste. Mare Gael Force Pipe & Drum Band at Clergue Park
• 1 p.m. – Branch 25 Royal Canadian Legion Band at Clergue Park
• 1:30 p.m. – The Pipes and Drums of the 49th (Sault Ste. Marie) Field Regiment RCA at Clergue Park
• 2 p.m. – Snowbirds Air Display (approximately 30 minutes) beginning with CF-18 flyby
• 5 p.m. – Snowbirds Meet and Greet at the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre

The city said that in recognition of veterans' service, a limited number of reserved seats will be available at Clergue Park. Veterans are encouraged to register in advance by contacting Legion Branch 25 at 705-945-8722.

Following the show, guests are invited to the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre for a chance to meet the Snowbirds pilots and hear about their experiences. 

Admission to the Bushplane is by donation, with all proceeds supporting the preservation of Canada's aviation history.

The city noted that inclement weather will delay the Snowbirds show until conditions are safe.

If the event cannot occur on Sept. 21, the air display will be cancelled. (As of this writing, the forecast for Saturday is for partly sunny skies with a very slight chance of showers.)

"During the event, there will be increased noise levels in the area," the city added. "Please take appropriate precautions, particularly for pets and those sensitive to loud sounds. Additionally, the airspace will be restricted, and the use of drones will be strictly prohibited."

For more information, visit  www.saultstemarie.ca