The Abbotsford International Airshow hosted a reception on Monday evening (Aug. 31) to thank and honour the many community groups and businesses who help them produce a world-class airshow event.
The 2015 version of the airshow was by any measure a spectacularly successful event with huge crowds, sold out venues and the strongest performer lineup in over a decade.
Patrons were awed by the sheer power and maneuverability of the USAF F-22 Raptor, a much anticipated fighter whose appearance heralded the return of the U.S. military to the Abbotsford show.
The French Breitling jet team joined the Canadian Forces Snowbirds with performances of jet formation aerobatics and a terrific lineup of warbirds drew a link back to our aviation heritage.
On Monday evening the show was able to reward many community groups such as the Air Cadets, Scouts Canada, Hand in Hand and Joshua House, to name a few, with cheques for their service in various capacities at the airshow. A total of just over $50,000 was returned to the community to aid these groups in funding their own programs.
Additionally the airshow thanked the many businesses who helped sponsor the airshow with Snowbird’s lithographs and framed photos from the airshow. These businesses partner with the airshow by providing either cash or in-kind services and equipment and are an essential part of producing a successful show.
The Airshow estimates that it has a direct financial impact on the Abbotsford community of some $2 million in revenue for the businesses, hotels, and restaurants over the week-long period.
“We are extremely pleased that so many local businesses have stepped forward to join forces with the airshow. Without their support, we certainly could not put on a show which is so well regarded throughout both North America and the world. Our goal going forward is to increase the amount of money that we can return to the Abbotsford community while continuing to produce one of North America’s top airshows,” said Jim Reith, President, Abbotsford Airshow.