Committee recommends support for air show

By Al Beeber - Lethbridge Herald on January 19, 2023.

Herald file photo A pilot performs at last year's air show.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDabeeber@lethbridgeherald.com

The Economic Standing Policy Committee of Lethbridge city council on Wednesday has recommended the Lethbridge International Airshow Association be given financial support to mount an event this year.

Dallas Harty, president of the association, made a presentation to the SPC – which consists of all council members – stating the organization’s interest in mounting a show this year then staging them on odd-numbered years moving forward.

The airshow returned last year to the Lethbridge Airport and attracted more than 15,000 people over two days.

A report by Harty says moving the show to odd-numbered years will increase access to demonstration and static assets.

Harty told the SPC via video link that if they were to stage a show in 2024, they would be competing with events at major air bases in Canada for those same military assets. He added that the Canadian and U.S. military are facing critical manpower shortages and are cutting back on the number of shows they are participating in.

The air show organization is also planning to do a special commemoration next year of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force with a one-day event at the airport.

Follow @albeebHerald on Twitter