The voice of any airshow needs to be knowledgeable, authoritative and at times, humorous.
Ric Peterson has spent the past 20 years becoming the best airshow announcer he can be. Coupled with his experience as a broadcaster and race car announcer, Peterson’s vast experience and passion have created a seasoned microphone veteran with a flair for aviation. Quesnel Skyfest is lucky to have such a quality announcer at this year’s Skyfest - Quesnel’s International Airshow.
He’s announced all over the world and has the memories to prove it.
“I have had the unforgettable opportunity to hold the control stick of an Avro Arrow at the National Aviation Museum in Ottawa, touched the fabric of the Wright Flyer at the Paul Garber Facility in Silver Hill, Maryland, toured Orville and Wilbur’s bicycle shop in Dayton, Ohio and stood on the banks of Bras d’Or Lake near Baddeck, Nova Scotia,” he said.
“I’ve travelled to the Mojave Desert, covered the space shuttle launches in Florida, visited the ‘bone yard’ in Arizona and the Paris Air Show in France where I found the plaque marking the spot where Lindbergh shut down the Spirit of St. Louis hidden under a garbage can at Le Bourget.”
Air show announcing has taken Peterson to Base Borden – the birthplace of the RCAF, Moose Jaw – the home of the Snowbirds as well as 4 Wing Cold Lake, host of Maple Flag and Canada’s flight test facilities.
“I have been around airplanes since I was knee high to a tail wheel and was barely a year old when my father set me on the spinner of the Piper Cub he loved,” Peterson said.
“The memory of his passion for flight is with me at the airports and museums I visit and
I like nothing better than to spark in someone else the same passion my father bestowed to me.”
Be sure to take note of Peterson’s passion as you follow his vocal directions during Skyfest this year.
Skyfest 2013 tickets are now available for purchase at Circle S and at the Tourist Bureau. Adult Day Pass $15, Weekend – $25, Youth Day Pass $4. Weekend $7. Family Day Pass $40. Weekend – $65. Camping packages also available.