Thousands of people are expected to take part in Armed Forces Day on Wednesday at the city’s waterfront.
That includes busloads of students from area schools.
It’s the thirteenth in-person event with air demonstrations, static displays, music and more lined up.
“As citizens we seldom think about national safety until an event happens,” says 22 Wing Honorary Colonel Scott Tod. “But because we don’t think about it very often, I think it’s due to the success of our Canadian Forces and the people that serve locally at 22 Wing North Bay. But also, the Canadian Forces and United States Air Force around the world.”
Mayor Peter Chirico says armed forces members locally provide national security and are a part of the community.
“They coach in our community, they volunteer, and they do so many different things in our community that this is the one day of the year we have an opportunity to say thank you for everything you do,” he says.
Armed Forces Day runs from 10 am to 3 pm with the opening ceremonies at 10:30 am.
Approximate times for the aerial demonstrations, which are weather dependent and may be subject to change, include:
- 11:40 am – SkyHawks Parachute Demo
- 12:00 pm – CC-130J Hercules Flypast
- 12:15 pm – USAF F-16 Flypast
- 12:25 pm – CF-18 Demo Team
Interactive displays & booths include:
- Canadian Air Force Swag Tent
- Canadian Forces Museum of Aerospace Defence
- Algonquin Regiment
- 33 Service Battalion
- Military Family Resource Centre
- RCAF Association
- Legion Branch 23
- Cadets
- Atlas Veterans
- North Bay Aviation Expo
A traffic note with Armed Forces Day, the city says Memorial Drive will be closed from 7 am to 4 pm and the North Bay Waterfront will be a ‘No Drone Zone” during the event.
Everyone is encouraged to wear red.
106.3 Jet FM will be broadcasting live on location.
