Cold Lake Air Show Prepares for Exciting Weekend

“This is a showcase event. It’s a key calendar event for 2018 for the region. I know we had people who wanted to come to the airshow but couldn’t because the hotels are fully booked,” said 4 Wing Commander, Paul Doyle.

One of the landmark events of the summer, the Cold Lake Air Show begins tomorrow morning. It is touted as the biggest air show in Canada for this year.

The airshow is part of NORAD’s 60 anniversary. Each of the four fighter aircraft that fulfill NORAD missions: Canadian Hornet CF-18, American F-15 and F-16s, and the F-22 Raptor will be part of the show. It will be the only flying demonstration in Canada this year for the Raptor.

“It’s the most advanced fighter jet ever built. It’s the only fighter jet the United States will not sell to another country. That should tell you something in there that it has embedded technology in it that’s amazing,” said Kael Rennie, deputy chair of air show committee.

“It’s going to do things in the sky that violate the laws of aerodynamics. All of our F-18 pilots are going to be watching the F-22 when it takes off.”

Rob Holland, one of the most decorated aerobatics pilots in history, is flying for the first time in the Cold Lake air show.

“I’ve always heard great things about the show. Always wanted to come to check it out,” said Holland.

Holland is four-time consecutive World 4-minute Freestyle Aerobatic Champion. He will be flying the MX2.

The 2018 air show will have a more compressed static display compared to 2016 to save spectators walking time. The committee has also been working to alleviate any problems with parking, food, and washrooms.

Even car enthuasists can cash in on the fun. It’s also the 65th anniversary of the corvette and many will be at the car show alongside the festivities.

The full throttle street festival on 50th street is happening today with a performance from Canadian band Big Sugar at the end of the night.

This air show is put on by both 4 Wing air base and the City of Cold Lake.