By Mike Davenport, EAA 89102; Langley, British Columbia
A free air show or an open house at your local airport is a good way to reach the public and invite them to enjoy something that you’ve known about for years. CYNJ took that thought and ran with it.
Early on the morning of the last Saturday of August, there was a lot of activity on the west side of Langley Regional Airport. Airplanes were being moved from the hangars to a display area on one runway while collector cars were being arranged on the other, all in preparation for the second annual Air Fair, a free event. In front of the terminal, dozens of vendors and information displays were being set up, all during a light shower.
Rain or shine, Jenna Crees, the airport’s business coordinator, had said that the show would go ahead. Light rain fell in the early morning but by 10 a.m., the showers had eased and the day brightened up with sunshine and warm temperatures.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., several thousand visitors had the opportunity to get up close to the 30-plus locally based aircraft. An additional attraction were the 150 custom cars that filled the north-south runway while the aircraft were arrayed on the east-west runway. In addition to the cars and airplanes, there was a kids’ zone complete with a bouncy castle as well as food trucks and a band. Speeches by local politicians rounded out the day.
The day’s events included a flying display by the RCMP helicopter demonstrating a member’s rappelling skills.
The RCAF was also present with a CH-148 Cyclone helicopter on static display. Visitors lined up to tour the aircraft. Free parking was available at a nearby church and university with shuttles to and from both.
By any measure, the day was a success. All of this was made possible due to the efforts of Patrick Sihota, airport manager, and his staff and that of some 60-plus volunteers and resident aircraft owners. Without them, this event would not have happened.
