In a surprise announcement last week, the Canadian Forces Snowbirds reversed direction and informed the Cape Girardeau Regional Air Festival organizers that the team would be able to perform at several U.S. shows this year, including Cape Girardeau. As a result, Bruce Loy, Cape Girardeau’s Airport Manager, announced today that organizers have decided to move forward with the Air Festival on the originally scheduled dates of Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18, 2014.
The announcement comes four weeks after the Snowbirds cancelled all of their U.S. air show appearances – including Cape Girardeau’s Air Festival – due to Canadian budget constraints. The Air Festival was scheduled for May 17-18 at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport, however, in the wake of the Canadian Forces’ January 31 cancellation announcement, Air Festival officials felt it would not be possible to move forward without the Snowbirds’ participation.
In an email dated February 26, Michel “Spike” Tremblay, Senior Operations Coordinator at the Canadian Air Division Headquarters, recommitted to a May 17-18 Snowbirds performance in Cape Girardeau. As a result, the decision has been made to go forward with plans for this year’s Air Festival.
“I am very happy that we are going to be able to bring the Snowbird’s to Cape Girardeau as the headliner for our 2014 Air Festival. It is very exciting to have the Canadian Snowbirds perform in Cape Girardeau. It is truly a flight demonstration that fans will never forget!” This will be the first time the Canadian Forces Jet Team has ever performed in Cape Girardeau.
The Canadian Snowbirds fly nine distinctive red and white CT-114 Tutors and are internationally known for precision aerobatics consisting of more than 50 different formations and maneuvers. The Snowbirds are one of only three military jet teams based in North America.
The Snowbirds will be part of an incredible lineup, including military and civilian aerobatic performers, jet powered vehicles, ground displays, and various other family oriented activities. Loy encourages everyone to mark their calendars for a phenomenal Air Festival the third weekend in May.
Loy noted an immediate need for sponsors and volunteers in order to assist in making the event a success.
For more information contact the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport office at 573-334-6230.
Copied from a Cape Regional Airport News Release. Related older releases:
- 11/19/13 – Original Announcement: http://blog.cityofcapegirardeau.org/2014-cape-girardeau-regional-air-festival-to-host-the-royal-canadian-forces-snowbirds-jet-team/
- Feb. 2014 – Cancellation: http://blog.cityofcapegirardeau.org/2014-cape-girardeau-regional-air-festival-cancelled/
Sounds very interesting! Are tickets required? If so, how much are they and how/where can they be purchased?
Tickets will be available beginning in mid-April. Prices still TBD. We’ll keep you posted, and thanks for asking!
Thank you for the update. I look forward to more info! Have a great day =)
It looks like online ticket sales are up and running! http://www.capegirardeauairfestival.com/Ticket-Information/
When will a full schedule of the weekend be available?
Here’s a tentative schedule for the weekend. Thanks for asking, Bob! We hope you enjoy the show. http://www.capegirardeauairfestival.com/Schedule/
What time does the show start on 5-18-14?
Sorry, Tyler. We didn’t see your comment until today. The show started both days at 1:30 p.m. We hope you got to come down to the airport and enjoy the show!