MOOSE JAW — Under brilliant blue skies and yellow canola fields, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds returned home in spectacular fashion for a sold-out air show at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport recently.
Organized by the Moose Jaw Flying Club in partnership with the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority, the event drew approximately 1,600 spectators in 500 vehicles — with an estimated 60 per cent hailing from outside Moose Jaw. Visitors came from across the Prairies and beyond — including one guest who made the trip from Texas — to witness Canada’s renowned aerobatic team perform above their hometown.
“What made this event so successful was the way the whole community stepped up to support it,” said Roger Blager, president of the Flying Club. “There was outstanding collaboration between local organizations, the City (of Moose Jaw), 15 Wing, our sponsors, volunteers, and so many others.”
Clear skies, warm weather, and a sea of gold provided a striking backdrop to the performance, supported by static aircraft displays including the Royal Canadian Air Force’s CT-156 Harvard II trainer, used to train pilots at 15 Wing, several civilian planes from Provincial Airways, and a vintage Fouga CM.170 Magister — a French-built jet trainer provided by Golden Era Aviation.
Spectators began arriving early and quickly filled the designated parking areas. Others lined nearby grid roads hoping to catch a glimpse of the show, with volunteers and the RCMP working together to ensure smooth logistics and direct traffic.
“The parking went relatively smoothly,” said Blager. “We had everybody off the field in about 45 minutes.”
The show was made possible thanks to support from SERCO, who sponsored sanitation facilities and the Volunteer Appreciation barbecue; CAE, who provided official volunteer T-shirts to help crews stay visible and co-ordinated; volunteers with Friends of the Forces Fellowship; and the City of Moose Jaw Fire Department, Moose Jaw and District Paramedics, and SaskTix. Golden West Radio Country 100.7 broadcast the show live from the airfield.
Early support from Brig.-Gen. Dan Coutts helped get the show off the ground, and Col. Adam Carlson, commander of 15 Wing, arranged for the Harvard II aircraft on static display.
“As Honorary Colonel of 2 Canadian Forces Flying Training School, I was proud to see our community come together to celebrate those who serve,” said Crystal Froese, a volunteer on the organizing committee. “Moose Jaw is a proud military city, and the Snowbirds — along with the training that happens every day at 15 Wing — are not only central to our local identity, but vital to Canada’s Air Force and national pride. This event was a fantastic way to highlight that commitment.”
Proceeds from the event totalled more than $18,000, which will support the construction of a crosswind runway at the airport — a key infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving safety and training access for pilots.
“The funds raised will go toward the needed infrastructure improvements at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport, which not only supports aviation and job growth in the aerospace sector but contributes to long-term economic impact for the city,” Blager said.
“Last year, our flight school had to cancel over 200 flights because of crosswinds,” he noted earlier. “A new crosswind runway would help keep training, visiting aircraft, and other airport activities running smoothly.”
Organizers say planning is already underway for a potential return in 2026, with discussions in progress to add more aircraft demonstrations and static displays for an expanded lineup.
For more information, visit “Moose Jaw Flying Club — COPA 215” on Facebook or CJS4.ca.
The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport is located approximately 15 minutes northeast of downtown, accessible via the North Service Road and Highway 301.
