Watch above: scheduling conflict forces Canada Remembers to scale back this year
SASKATOON – The Saskatoon Canada Remembers event will not include its signature air show this year.
The 19th annual tribute is titled ‘Canada Remembers – Picnic in the Park with Heroes’. It will be hosted in Dr. Gerhard Hersberg Park on Acadia Drive on Saturday Aug. 9 from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m.
The tribute to veterans began in 1995, gaining momentum over the years to eventually attract 30,000 people to the airport to see the Snowbirds perform and to honour our soldiers.
This year, there’s a scheduling conflict between event organizers and the Canadian Military Headquarters which coordinates aerial activity for the Canadian Forces.
Unable to book the usual performances, organizer Brian Swidrovich calls the new event less complex but says a tribute is still necessary.
“One of the motivating forces behind the decision is that many, many veterans won’t be here for 2015 so it was important for us to try to come up with something for 2014” said Swidrovich.
Looking ahead to 2015, Swidrovich hopes the event can return to Auto Clearing Motor Speedway where it has been hosted since 2010, having moved from the airport because of expansion projects.
2015 marks 20 years since the first Canada Remembers event in Saskatoon. Swidrovich said it will likely be the last, if it even happens at all.
The problem is Transport Canada stipulates aircraft performing needs a clear landing area which is at least 7000 feet by 3000 feet.
Since 2010, a piece of land south of the speedway has functioned as that spot. Swidrovich said the landowners are now planning to develop in the area.
A determination on the 2015 show will be made this fall.
The ‘Canada Remembers – Picnic in the Park with Heroes’ is free to the public. Day events include:
- Barbecue
- Parade of Heroes
- Canadian Forces Ceremonial Fly-Past
- North Saskatchewan Regiment Pipes & Drums
- HMCS Unicorn Display & Personnel
- Musical Performance
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