In the spirit of the Calgary Stampede where cowboy boots and pancake breakfasts take over the City of Calgary in celebration of western heritage – look for Abbotsford to adopt their Aviator shades to eat pancakes, decorate their storefronts and offices and get into the spirit of one of the most treasured annual events in the Fraser Valley.
Airshow Week is being reinvigorated from when it started in the early ’80s. The goal is to reengage the Lower Mainland community through free, family-friendly events leading up to the Airshow that have a fun airplane-inspired flare.
Toss the tie and throw on the aviator shades - all events are family friendly and free for the public.
Tuesday, Aug. 8
Build a Plane
Where: UFV Hangar at Abbotsford International Airport
When: 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
A competition for kids of all ages and those young at heart.
The categories are:
• Little Aviators – Kindergarten to Grade 5
• Future Flyers – Grades 6 – 8
• Flight Club – Grades 9 – 12
• Cranium Crushers – University students
• Stall Speed – Professional Engineers
Sign up your team to win prizes.
Outdoor Cinema – Top Gun
Where: Bateman Park, pick your spot early.
When: Dusk
What better way to start Airshow Week then with a movie. Walk, bike, drive – or even fly! – to Bateman Park for the ultimate aviator movie – Top Gun. Don’t forget your chairs and blankets!
Wednesday, Aug. 9
Soldier On Street Hockey Tournament
Where: High Street Mall
When: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Soldier On is a hardworking, donation-funded organization that rehabilitates our wounded men and women in uniform through sport. High Street Mall has offered up an area of their mall to host this hockey tournament, and a big shout out to the Abbotsford Pilots for managing this event.
Police vs Fire? RCAF vs Cascade? Who’s going to take the Aviator Cup this year?
Space is limited, sign up will be available until the tournament is full.
Rules: Co-ed teams (at least one female or one male on your team), all ages
Don’t forget your hockey stick.
Live performance by Me and Mae!
Where: High Street Mall
When: 6:30 p.m.
Take a break from hockey but be back to catch Me & Mae fronted by Abbotsford own Caitlin Canning!
A little bit of serendipity, mixed with abundant talent has played a profoundly significant role in the rapid rise of British Columbia-based country band.
Thursday, Aug.10
City Wide Scavenger Hunt
Where: Kickoff location TBD
When: 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Finish Line at Mill Lake Park
Do you remember going on a scavenger hunt as a child? Well we do and we want to do it again. Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place.
Put together a company team, a team with your neighbours, or a team with your friends; put on a costume or just show off your best Airshow hat and get ready for the best scavenger hunt to hit Abbotsford, ever. One team member must have access to Twitter.
A sign up form will be coming shortly. Registration is open to all ages.
Red, White and You Laser Light Show
Where: Mill Lake Park, at dusk
We’re turning it up a notch and hosting the Red, White and You Laser Light Show. Bring the family to Mill Lake Park to enjoy an evening of awesome. Also, be sure to watch the skies for a sneak peak of an Abbotsford International Airshow performance.
Friday, Aug.11
Abby Firemen’s Pancake Breakfast
Where: Seven Oaks Mall, across from the Bay (South West Parking Lot)
When: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m.
Start the first of the Abbotsford Airshow with a breakfast prepared by some of Abbotsford’s finest and possibly some airshow performers. Firemen and pilots… it just doesn’t get any better.
Breakfast is by donation for the Burn Fund.
Twilight Show at the Abbotsford International Airshow
Where: Abbotsford International Airport, YXX
When: Gates open at 3:30 p.m.
Canada’s national airshow once again begins with the critically renowned Twilight Airshow Friday evening. Truly a unique event in North America, no other airshow out does our gem of an attraction. Get your tickets online, at Save On Foods, or at the gates.