What’s $350,000 of debt when you can put a smile on people’s faces when they look up at the sky? That seems to be the mentality of the Waterloo Air Show, the future of which was in question until recently.
At least for now, the show will go on, as Richard Cooper and fellow organizer and private pilot David White are set on producing the 2013 show June 1-2 at the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau.
The organizers, who have been running the show for a number of years and see it as a summer staple in the community, decided to shoulder the financial risk after two unsuccessful years left their coffers bare. Cooper, White and their crew of volunteers maintain that the bad years were due to the 2011 Goderich tornado, and less than perfect weather conditions in 2012, both of which are believed to have affected the turnout at the show.
“All we need is a good weather year to welcome people to the airport and allow us to showcase everything we’ve built towards over the year,” said White in a release.
Earlier this fall Cooper and White approached Waterloo Region council in an attempt to get a pardon for $91,000 in fees owed, citing the show’s local significance. Though councillors seemed understanding of the situation, they eventually voted against forgiving the debt.
The organizers shook off their disappointment and are determined to make things happen again this year, maintaining that good weather and a little bit of advertising will bring eyes back to the skies.
The air show provides a chance for locals to see pilots and the military in action and offers two days of entertainment for flight enthusiasts. The show is also a staple in the Region of Waterloo Airport’s marketing plan as it often educates visitors on the location and shines a spotlight on airport services offered in the region. They are both private pilots, Cooper an air show performer himself, and both have extensive air show experience, and a great respect for flying, Canada’s military and veterans. Air shows offer a great avenue to entertain aviation enthusiasts, while showcasing the skills and professionalism of Canada’s military, offering a venue for local performers, and paying homage to history and those who sacrificed for our freedom.
Volunteers and participants say that Cooper and White are taking the risk for the love of flying. They wish to preserve a local tradition dear to their hearts and share their passion for flying.
This year’s event will feature the Canadian Forces Snowbirds as the main attraction. There will also be performances by the CF-18 Demo Team, the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Army, a CH-146 Griffon helicopter, and eight other acts that can be viewed on the organization’s website (www.waterlooairshow.com) where visitors can also find ticket information.
