By Sam Borsato - @BorsatoSam on Twitter

Big things in the works for air show’s 25th anniversary this summer

Feb 2, 2017 | 2:47 PM

LETHBRIDGE – According to the Lethbridge Air Show Association, everything is coming together nicely for this July’s show. A group of hard working volunteers are planning on a big celebration for the bi-annual event’s 25th anniversary.
 
“Who would have thought all those years ago when we got involved in this thing — there’s still a couple of us that have been involved since day one — that here we are 25 shows later, and we’re still surviving,” noted Brent Botfield, past association president, in an interview.
 
He went on to say that mostly everything is already in place, with some deposits and contracts going out to the performers right now.

“The Snowbirds and the CF-18 Hornet we know — it’s actually already on the Canadian forces website they’ve more or less announced it for us — they’re coming to our event, which is always great to have them. They always do an excellent job and they’re pretty much a show stopper every time. So, we’ve got some other interesting stuff lined up, some other teams and groups.” Botfield also received a letter of support from the Lethbridge County council, at Thursday’s (Feb. 2) meeting, to invite the high in demand Boeing F-18 Super Hornet.
 
During that same meeting, county council once again puts its support behind the event, and secured $4,000 for a water truck to control dust and a fuel trailer. All restricted area access permit (RAAP) and landing fees will be waived, and the aerodrome, which is the air space surrounding the airport, lease was approved. All councilors agreed to attend the show, as well.
 
The twilight show, that was a huge hit with event-goers two years ago, will also be better than ever. Botfield couldn’t comment on specifics, but suggested that the association will be adding to it for the big 2017 show.
 
Those who are planning on attending can be reassured that it’s going to take a lot to stop the show from going ahead.
 
“[With] the exception of some really bad weather, and mostly lightning would be the biggest thing because you’ve got a whole bunch of people out in the middle of a field so it’s just simply not safe.
 
“If it’s chilly or windy, we can still open the gates, we can still do as much show as we possibly can do,” Botfield continued. “We leave it up to the pilot’s discretion. If they don’t feel safe to fly, we’re obviously not going to force them to fly.” 

Tickets should go on sale by March 1 at several locations across the city and online, with the show taking place over the July 14 to 16 weekend.
 
The full 2017 talent line up is expected to be released during a news conference within the next few weeks.