Press Release – Atlantic International Air Show
The Air Show in August has been wrapped up and responses from all areas are very positive. Almost 10,000 fans saw the Show from the Miramichi Airport property over the two days, August 24 and 25. About half of the spectators came from out of the area and were impressed by both the event and the community.
The Air Show enjoyed excellent weather for the weekend so all the acts performed both days. Reaction to the performers was positive with “favourites” ranging from the Shockwave Jet truck to the vintage aircraft and aerobatic performers. The Hawk One Sabre from Vintage Wings of Canada certainly stole the hearts of many who were pleased to see the Golden Hawks and the community that hosted them, from 1959-1963, honoured by the performance and the visit from the veterans of the original team.
The Canadian Air Force was well represented with acts in the air and on the static display line. Fans appreciated the access to various aircraft and the chance to speak with the crews of over a dozen ground displays.
Over two hundred veterans were treated to the hospitality of the VIP tent and expressed appreciation to the staff that ran them from the gates to their cars as the site was very large. The site included fan services such as food and beverage vendors who had a productive weekend with line ups that were steady but not too long.
While it took quite a while for fans to get off the site, organizers have already addressed plans for improvements if a return visit can be negotiated. Executive Director Colin Stephenson said, “For a first effort on a new property we are very pleased. Not just with the site but the support and cooperation of the community.” The Show disbursed almost $20,000 to various community groups who worked the Show in different capacities.
The Air Show was the second major tourism event to be hosted by city in 2013 and Community Development & Tourism Director stated, “We are very happy with the results of these events. It goes to prove how important tourism can be for the community.” A survey conducted by the city’s Economic Development Director Jeff MacTavish showed that the economic impact of the Air Show was approximately $2.6 million dollars.
Mayor Gerry Cormier is very happy with the results of the Air Show. “The organizers and volunteers did a great job. It was great to see our community come together for this event, everything was so positive. It’s our goal to make Miramichi one of the sites for the Atlantic International Air Show moving forward.”
The Air Show is pursuing a business plan that will see it establish a number of viable locations in the Maritimes that it can return to on a regular basis. This would allow the organization to spread out the expense of hosting the Show and to promote and expand the Air Show brand throughout the region.
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For further information contact:
Peter Murphy, Director of Community Development & Tourism
City of Miramichi
Tel: 506-623-2153
Email:
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