It is difficult to remember where I was and what happened this morning, let alone five decades ago.
But as soon as the notices and memories started appearing about the Snowbirds’ first official show at Canadian Forces Base Moose Jaw on July 11, 1971, the memory chip clicked in and the details of that show became clear.
Billed as the largest one-day show in North America, the Saskatchewan Homecoming Air Show got off to a wet start, and for a short time, there was some doubt the show would go ahead, whether crowds could be accommodated amidst the puddles and saturated parking lots.
At our house on Coteau St. E., preparations for the show had begun the day before. I fried the chicken, made the salads, chilled the soft drinks, dusted the lawn chairs, folded a blanket and froze bottles of water to put into the food hamper. Our air show picnic was set and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Our young nephew was super excited to attend the show and when there was some doubt the show would go ahead, he was despondent. Then the good news came. The show would begin at 1 p.m. (I believe that was the correct time) and the province was invited to the base.
We loaded the car in a hurry and drove to the end of the next block so we could turn left and get onto the No. 2 Highway going south. What a shock we got when we got to that intersection and discovered cars lined up bumper to bumper and only crawling ahead by inches.
We slapped our press pass for the vehicle onto the dash board and attempted to sneak into the line. None of the drivers were giving up an inch but they gave up some pretty creepy dirty looks. Then the city police arrived on scene, saw our official air show pass and halted traffic so we could get into line.
It took awhile but we eventually got to the base and through the gates to the reserved parking area for the press. Finding a spot to position our chairs and picnic supplies was the next objective. A small grassy spot was available so we hurried to claim it for ourselves, possibly nudging others out of our path.
We soon lost track of the nephew, he being of the opinion he needed to be right at the fence for the best vantage point. His whereabouts was eventually discovered and the day proceeded. It was shoulder-to-shoulder with strangers from near and far, all there to see an amazing lineup of civilian and military aircraft, but most importantly to see the Snowbirds, named in a contest led by Lois Boyle, administrative assistant to Base Commander Col. O.B. Philp.
Both are now deceased but their work towards ensuring the existence of the Snowbirds air demonstration team will always be remembered as the Squadron celebrates its history later this year.
Meanwhile, back at the 1971 air show, rented porta potties couldn’t handle the crowds, nor could the food vendors. Col. Philp’s expectations for the day were met and exceeded. Unfortunately many potential attendees from all four directions went home without making it to the Base gates.
It was estimated by some means that 45,000 attended the show and another 40,000 went home unhappy. Of course they grumbled and were disappointed but those in attendance sent up exuberant cheers in their absence when the Snowbirds performed that memorable show.
At the end of the day, we retrieved our nephew and our other belongings and made our way to the car. Getting home took awhile and for some reason, traffic directors paid absolutely no attention to our official passes. Imagine that!
Joyce Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
