FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. -- Snowbirds, Skyhawk’s and more have landed at the North Peace Regional Airport.

The Fort St. John International Airshow is set to return after a five year hiatus. Weather shuttered the event in 2019 and it was cancelled again in 2021, but it wasn’t the pandemic that interfered with the air show last year.

Show producer Sandi Miller said “That got called because they redid the runway actually. About a month later that’s when COVID hit and that’s when everything got shutdown.”

Captain Logan Reid with the RCAF Snowbirds is happy to be flying over his home province. The Victoria pilot found his passion for flying at airshows like this one.

“It’s my life’s privilege to be accepted and fly with the team. I grew up watching airshows and always wanting to be a pilot so it’s exciting for me to dawn the red suit and carry on the tradition that way,” he said.  

Aircraft of all shapes and sizes will be on display on the tarmac while the Snowbirds will show off their skills in the sky.

Reid says his favourite move in the air is the solo cross.

He said “That’s when the other air planes are doing some of the formation stuff. Myself and snowbird nine we’ll split off and we’ll fly as fast and as close to each other as we possibly can.”  

However, thunderstorms in the forecast could shutter the event like three years ago. Still airshow organizers are happy to host pilots and aircraft whatever the weather.

“Rain or shine I think were all just excited to be out and actually doing something again, “ said Miller who added “We have the B 25 that’s going to be out there, but it’s got a lot of hands of displays that come with it.”

The airshow is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Organizers are encouraging everyone to come prepared for the weather.

As for getting there, Swanson Lumber Road will be closed so spectators can use 100th Avenue or Baldonnell Road.

Cash parking is available near the viewing area or you can take a shuttle bus from the North Peace Arena.

Tickets along with more information is available here.