With SkyFest just over a week away, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the hard-working volunteers who make this show happen.
Quesnel’s International Airshow is taking place Aug. 2-4 at the Quesnel Regional Airport, and the event will feature a Friday night Twilight Show and day shows Saturday and Sunday, filled with impressive performances from the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the SkyHawks military parachute demonstration team, the CF-18 Demo Team, celebrated aerobatics stars like Brent Handy, Bud and Ross Granley, Jerzy Strzyz and so many more. There will also be static displays and a special selection of vintage aircraft from the impressive Erickson Aircraft Collection.
None of this would happen without the SkyFest board of directors, and we’re excited to introduce you to some of the people who have been working hard behind the scenes for a long time to make SkyFest a world-class event.
For more information about this year’s airshow or to buy tickets, visit quesnelskyfest.ca.
You can also purchase tickets at the SkyFest airport office, which is open in the Quesnel Regional Airport Tuesday from 2-4:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 2-5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon until Aug. 1. For more information, call the office at 250-925-1174.
Name: Dave Edwards Position: Point of contact for the CF-18 Demonstration Team Background for position: I am a private pilot and member of the Quesnel Flying Club. I was part of the original team that started SkyFest. Reason you volunteer for SkyFest: I feel this is a great community event for Quesnel and a great way to attract people from out of town to come and enjoy what we have to offer. The No. 1 thing you are looking the most forward to at this show: The military acts — CF-18, Snowbirds and SkyHawks. In 100 words or less, what would you say to encourage others to buy a ticket or to volunteer: It makes you feel good to help out with a community event. It is a fantastic International Airshow and a great value for your dollar. A great way for aviation lovers to spend the weekend.Name: Jim Howie Position: Security Background for position: Retired RCMP Member Reason you volunteer for SkyFest: I enjoy being involved in community events The No. 1 thing you are looking the most forward to this show: A safe and entertaining display of various aircraft and the capabilities of their pilots. In 100 words or less, what would you say to encourage others to buy a ticket or to volunteer: Having attended numerous airshows in both Canada and the United States, I would say SkyFest has to rank as one of the best. The show provides residents and visitors with an excellent display of both military and civilian aircraft, as well as associated novelty acts. It’s a family event that is fun and affordable.Name: Joe Daigle Position: Director responsible for parking Background for position: Parking for other events Reason you volunteer for SkyFest: No special reason; just a way to give back The No. 1 thing you are looking the most forward to this show: It going smoothly In 100 words or less, what would you say to encourage others to buy a ticket or to volunteer: This is a great family event, so come out to help or come out and enjoy a great show.Name: Rose Bright Position: Director At Large and responsible for … Vendors and anything else that needs to be done! Background for position: I have previously volunteered on my children’s PAC groups, and with my union, QDTA. This is my first year with SkyFest! Reason for volunteering for SkyFest 2019: I have summers off, and this is a great opportunity for me to get involved with a local volunteer group. I’m also scared of heights, so I think seeing some amazing aerobatics might help me overcome that fear. The No. 1 thing I am looking the most forward to this show: I cannot wait to see the Snowbirds perform! In 100 words or less, what would you say to encourage others to buy a ticket or to volunteer: As a classroom teacher, I see this as a great opportunity for kids of all ages to see something they may never have seen — whether it be for a future career, or another way to view planes and flying. It’s great exposure to new experiences — close to town and cost-effective. A great way for families to spend a day or weekend together. I encourage anyone reluctant to volunteer to give us a call — this is my first year with SkyFest, and the directors group have been fantastic with support and training. We have volunteer positions for everyone, no matter how much time you have.Name: Sharon MacDonald Position: Vice-President/Media Contact Responsible for contact with various media outlets before, during and after the show/arranging coverage and media/sponsor rides with our incredible pilots – I also get to stand in when needed in place of our President when he is not available on various issues, which you can appreciate encompasses many areas. Background for position: I have been volunteering with SkyFest since the first show, originally as a volunteer in the VIP section, then in the souvenirs section, until I took on a Director role in 2012 and have not looked back since. This is a wonderful group of people to work, learn and move forward with. Reason for volunteering for SkyFest 2019: Quesnel is an incredible community – we have Billy Barker Days, the Quesnel Rodeo, we have Barkerville and all things Wells, as well as numerous other activities, so when you add to this wonderful collection of entertainment an International Airshow, it simply is mind blowing – what a community – what a volunteer and fan base. I feel so fortunate to be able to offer my services to SkyFest as my part to bolster interest and involvement in our community. The No. 1 thing I am looking the most forward to this show: I love all the performances, but my all-time favourite has to be the Twilight Show – what can beat watching amazing aerobatics in the dimming skylight, only to be further entertained with the burst of fire lighting up the sky during their manoeuvres. Truly aName: Virendra Miglani Position: Director responsible for Gates and Scanning Equipment Background for position: Have been involved with SkyFest since its first show here in Quesnel Reason you volunteer for SkyFest: No. 1 reason for me to volunteer with SkyFest was my son’s interest in aviation. He always wanted to be a pilot, and so we all started becoming more and more involved with anything related to aviation. Although my son is a commercial pilot now, we have grown to love SkyFest so much that I volunteered to be one of the directors this time. Like any other enthusiast, I am looking for a variety of presenters showing off their flying skills but for me, the No. 1 thing is to experience the joy and fun of being part of this great show and meeting so many friends and family gathered at one place. SkyFest is probably the single biggest show in Quesnel that gets people from all over the province and outside. I would hate to think that somebody would sit at home or will have something else to do other than coming for the SkyFest show from Aug. 2 to Aug. 4. Would encourage one and all to go and get their show tickets at the earliest (online or from one of many outlets available); even better come and join us as volunteer and enjoy the show at close quarters and support the community.
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