The Canadian Forces Snowbirds are set to perform during Peach Fest 2015 on Aug. 5, starting at 6 p.m., as part of their 45th year of performances.
The 40-minute show is choreographed to music with the Snowbirds performing more than 50 different formations and manoeuvres.
Not only will the Snowbirds be in the air, they will be in the parking lot of the Penticton Lakeside Resort and Casino for an autograph session on Aug. 3 from 5 to 6 p.m. Everyone is welcome to attend to meet the pilots, have pictures taken, and autographs signed.
Additionally, the Snowbird Committee says the pilots will be on main stage at Okanagan Lake Park (next to the Lakeside Resort and Casino) at 9 p.m. on August 5, just prior to the Barney Bentall concert
The Canadian Forces Snowbird squadron last performed in Penticton since 2013. Organizers are advising that the safety zone on Okanagan Lake will be strictly enforced, after an incident with a boater in 2013 nearly caused a cancellation of the performance.
Fred Trainor, chair of the Snowbird committee said he heard the pilot’s chatter during the 2013 performance, including the lead pilot’s instructions to his teammates that if the boat was still in the safety zone on the next pass, the squadron were to continue to the airport instead of finishing their performance.
Trainor said they are stepping up both education and security this year in advance of the performance, to avoid a repetition of the incident and ensure boaters respect the safety zone.