Sault Ste. Marie to Host Spectacular Canadian Snowbirds Airshow for Centennial Celebrations

The Snowbirds, Canada’s esteemed air demonstration team, will be including a stop in Sault Ste. Marie on its 2024 celebration tour. The airshow will take place over the Sault waterfront on September 21, 2024, at 2 p.m. This event marks an historic celebration as the Canadian Air Force commemorates its centennial anniversary, coinciding with the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre's celebration of the Ontario Provincial Air Service’s 100-year milestone. 

"We are honoured to have the Snowbirds perform in Sault Ste. Marie,” said Mayor Shoemaker. “This is a unique opportunity for our community to witness the Snowbirds in action and to celebrate dedication and excellence of our Canadian Forces while recognizing two important centennials.”  

Two of the Snowbird pilots have strong ties to Sault Ste. Marie. Captain Patrice Powis-Clement grew up on St. Joseph Island and graduated from Sault College's Aviation Technology - Flight program, is among them. Major Brent Handy, also a Sault College alum, serves as the Team Lead flying the prestigious position of Snowbird 1. 

 "This is a special opportunity for me," said Capt. Powis-Clement. "Performing for my home community is incredibly exciting and a true honor. I hope to inspire pride and enthusiasm among our residents as we showcase the skill, teamwork, professionalism and dedication of the Snowbirds and the Canadian Armed Forces as we celebrate the centennial of the Royal Canadian Air Force."

Residents and visitors are invited to view the Snowbirds airshow along the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront. The airshow coincides with Bushplane Days and the 100th Anniversary of the Ontario Provincial Air Service. Everyone is encouraged to visit the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre for special activities throughout the weekend including dedicated viewing for the airshow, a Snowbird VR flight simulator, children’s programming and entertainment. Following the airshow, the Snowbirds will attend a special meet and greet with the public. Admission is by donation, and all funds support the Canadian Bushplane Heritage Centre.

"As the private owner and operator of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, we see this as a gesture of support for our community and an opportunity to spark interest in aviation across all age groups. This event aligns perfectly with milestones in aviation history, making it especially meaningful for us,” Terry Bos, President and CEO of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation.

The Snowbirds signature nine-jet precision formation flying is made possible thanks to a highly skilled and dedicated team of pilots, technicians, mobile support equipment operators, resource management support clerks, engineers, a logistics officer, a public affairs officer, and civilian support staff. Together, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds members showcase the skill, professionalism, and teamwork inherent in all members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness Canada's iconic demonstration team soar through the Sault Ste. Marie waterfront. For more information about the Snowbirds airshow including best viewing locations, parking, activities downtown and Bushplane Days, visit www.saulttourism.com.