Submitted by Columbia Valley Airport Society
On Saturday, Aug. 27, the Columbia Valley Airport Society hosted its first public open house and aircraft fly-in event at the Columbia Valley Airport. Although the inclement weather over the Rockies and Purcell Mountains prevented most expected planes from visiting, the event was an overwhelming success with more than 400 people attending. In addition to the large crowd, the 50/50 raffle sold out, more than 350 breakfast plates were served and hundreds of tours were conducted.
“With this being our first event of this type and the uncertain weather forecast we weren’t sure what to expect,” said society president Pascal van Dijk. “As it turned out the weather held for the most part and there was a lot of interest in the CL-215T airtankers currently stationed at the airport.”
Visitors to the event were offered a pancake breakfast by donation to the Lake Windermere District Lions Club, there were games for kids of all ages, the 50/50 raffle (winning ticket #575446 for a $500 prize pot) sold out and many visitors received an information handout about the airport and its history. However, by far, the most popular part of the event were the airport and aircraft tours. The tours were led by the pilots and crew of the airplanes and in groups of 15-20 people visitors were toured around and through the aircraft. The unofficial tour guides fielded many questions, from young and old, about how the bombers function and much more.
The four CL-215T airtankers and Birddog have been at the airport for nearly a month as part of BC Wildfire Services wildfire air operations and response unit. They are on call seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. to assist with fire suppression and control, throughout the Kootenay region.
“We really lucked out that these planes have been here this summer and that they were not called out during the event,” said society vice president Hans Baeggli. “If this airport, with its large Apron for five firefighting planes and support equipment, didn’t exist, the closest these planes would be stationed is Springbank airport, located just west of Calgary.”
The Columbia Valley Airport Society would like to thank all the volunteers, the Windermere & District Lions Club, the Alberta Air Operations team, BC Wildfire Services and the Windermere and Fairmont firehall volunteer members for their support and participation in this year’s event. Planning for the 2023 event is already underway.
