The aerobatics lived up to the hype but the scene down on the Quesnel ground must have looked good too. The warm weather and strong audience appeal drew major support for Skyfest 2013.
"Our attendance over the weekend topped 7,000," said airshow spokeswoman Sharon MacDonald.
The fledgling event has hit financial snags in past years, almost to the point of folding, but a restructuring made it viable especially now that such a healthy audience took part this year. The key decision was to bank off from plans of an annual two-day event. Organizers will hold steady on hosting Skyfest every second year, so there is time for building the operational bank account and not stress the volunteer and sponsorship pool.
Another bonus this year was the popularity of the military acts, which cost less due to the up-front tax investment through the Armed Forces. This year's highlights were a CF-18 fighter jet and the iconic Snowbirds air precision team.
"You had to be there to witness not only their spectacular display, but also the rapt attention of the audience," said MacDonald.
"We were in awe of this wonderful talent among our very own Canadian military. There were more than a few misty eyes out there when Amazing Grace was piped over the loud speakers while they flew a routine in honour of our fallen soldiers - no one spoke or moved during this display - it was quite a powerful moment."
Several of the pilots, including the Snowbirds, stayed in Quesnel at least another day after Skyfest closed, adding more to their economic contribution to the area and forming future audiences.
In the past two weeks, airshow audiences have cast their eyes skyward in Quesnel and Fort St. John. One more northern aero-spectacle remains. The second annual one-day Vanderhoof Airshow happens Saturday. Tickets are $5 at the airport gate, followed by a dinner and dance at the main hangar ($30 total or $20 dance only). For advance tickets call 250-567-2124.
