With scattered showers early on, a big crowd didn’t let Mother Nature put a damper on Armed Forces Day on Wednesday.
The sun was out for the Snowbirds low ceiling show, with plenty of students and residents gathered at the waterfront.
The Skyhawks Parachute Team had to cancel because of the weather but was on site for autographs. Static military displays were also set up.
During the opening ceremony, Mayor Peter Chirico got the crowd to show its appreciation for our Armed Forces.
“We’re going to give a great big thank you to all our military personnel that are here today that keep us safe and protect our sovereignty throughout the world,” he says.
Col. Shawn Guilbault, 22 Wing Commander, says the defence of Canada is their top priority.
“Whether supporting operations at home, the air security of our continent, or operating in various locations across the globe, your Armed Forces will continue to distinguish themselves through service and sacrifice in strong communities like this and in a free and secure Canada,” he says. “Thank you for your partnership, your support North Bay and everything you do.”
The was the city’s last chance to host the Snowbirds for a few years.
After this season, which is the victory tour for the Tutor airplanes, the air demonstration team will be grounded until their new planes arrive in the 2030s.
