She says they need the help of the community, if “it’s going to happen.”
Skyfest organizer Barb van Halderen says so far sponsorships have been slow and in order for organizers to book the performers and acts, support is needed.
Last year’s Skyfest was a wild success; 2,500 spectators participated in what van Halderen called a “scaled down airshow” that thrilled the crowd with three hours of aircraft entertainment.
Some of last year’s highlights included aircrafts on display, a plane racing a hot rod, the Prospector‘s Car Club, aerial tours on offer and acrobatic aircrafts.
“The authorities, transport Canada and all the airport personnel were impressed with how the show was organized and how smoothly it ran,” van Halderen said.
If all goes well this year’s event is slated for two days, June 4 and 5.
“We want to make it a destination weekend so we’re offering onsite camping at the airport,” van Halderen said, adding some of the acts this year will be repeats from last while others are brand new.
Other things to look forward to include activities for kids, a variety of vendors and tradeshow type booths, remote control aircrafts and more.
“There will be some new and exciting things that we don’t want to give away,” van Halderen added.
“We are looking to build the 2011 show as a stepping stone towards hosting the Canadian air forces snowbirds in 2013. Without the support of the community as a whole this will not be possible.”
The Skyfest committee is welcoming all help in the form of volunteers and sponsors. Last year, 80 volunteers ensured the event was a success, but this year, with the expansion to two days, more people are needed.
“We need help in a variety of capacities – people now for organization, the week prior for setup, the days after for tear-down and then of course the day of.”
In the way of sponsorship, there are a variety of levels of opportunities and unique advertising proposals and, says van Halderen, “we are flexible so we can meet the needs of each individual sponsor”. Contact the committee through the website, www,skyfest2011.com or by phoning Barb, 250-249-5151.
Advanced tickets are available from the website, and for more news you can check out Skyfest’s facebook and twitter accounts.