Canadian Forces Snowbirds (Photo credit: Patricia Burilli)

By Pete McIntyre

July 9 & 10

Snowbirds to perform over Okanagan Lake

Jul 4, 2022 | 4:30 PM

Some special guests will help Kelowna International Airport celebrate its 75th anniversary.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will perform an air demonstration over Okanagan Lake in Kelowna this coming Saturday and Sunday (July 9 and 10) at 1 p.m.

Canadian Forces Snowbirds (Photo credit: Caleb Smith Photography)

“We have not seen Canada’s elite Canadian Forces pilots here for years, but they will be here to help us mark Kelowna International Airport’s 75th Anniversary,” said Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran. “This commitment to our city reflects YLW’s status as one of the top airports in Canada and our city’s history as an aviation pioneer and aerospace leader.”

The demonstration will take place over the lake north of the William R. Bennett Bridge. The best place to watch will be along the waterfront from City Park to Waterfront Park. Those watching can also tune into 104.7 The Lizard to listen to live commentary on the program.

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For the safety of the pilots, drones or aircraft are not permitted over Okanagan Lake or on surrounding parks and beaches during the performance.

“In 1946, Kelowna citizens voted in favour to purchase the 320-acre Dickson Ranch to establish an airport and have continued supporting YLW ever since,” said Sam Samaddar, Kelowna Airport Director. “YLW is excited to be able to celebrate this important milestone together with our community 75 years later.”

Wings n’ Wheels – Saturday, July 9

Following the Snowbirds demonstration on Saturday, there will be a Wings n’ Wheels event at the new KF Centre for Excellence, located at YLW along Airport Way, 5800 Lapointe Drive, from 4 – 6 p.m.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the CF Snowbirds and see the CT-114 Canadian Tutor up close. The Wings n’ Wheels event will also have food trucks, face painting, music and a car show presented by August Motors and the Vintage Car Club of Canada – Okanagan Chapter.

There are many different ways to get to the Wings n’ Wheels event at the KF Centre for Excellence:

• Parking – Please follow directions provided by YLW staff and road signage.
• Public Transit – Visit Kelowna Regional Transit for the most current routes, pickup times and fares.
• Rail Trail – YLW is located along the Okanagan Rail Trail. To plan your route visit the Okanagan Rail Trail interactive map.

“There are no road closures related to this event,” said a city news release. “However, to reduce traffic and parking congestion, we encourage those headed to the event to choose various modes of transportation, such as biking, walking, transit and carpooling.”

The Snowbirds were formed in 1971 and have flown the Tutor for 50 seasons. Click here for more details.