Image: Chilliwack Flight Fest / One of Canada's only remaining free airshows happens this Sunday, August 20 at the Chilliwack Airport. Aerial displays will begin at 1 p.m. this Sunday. The show will last until 4 p.m. Pictured is Yellow Thunder, a 2-plane, altitude-unrestricted formation aerobatic demonstration team operated by brothers David and Drew Watson. Yellow Thunder is one of the featured performers at this weekend's Flight Fest.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Free airshow in Chilliwack this weekend

Free Chilliwack airshow takes flight this weekend

Aug 18, 2023 | 6:00 AM

CHILLIWACK — One of Canada’s only remaining free airshows will take flight from Chilliwack Airport this weekend.

Originally planned as an open house to promote the benefits of the Chilliwack Airport, Chilliwack Flight Fest has grown into a family-friendly airshow experience now entering its 29th season.

This year’s event gets underway this Sunday, August 20 starting at 11 a.m. when gates open. Aerial displays begin at 1 p.m. Gates close at 4 p.m.

“Heading into our 29th airshow season, this remarkable event continues to impress the international airshow industry,” Flight Fest wrote on its website. “Year after year, our continued community support and outstanding sponsoring organizations assist us to host this free admission, family fun event, while offering the opportunity to learn about aircraft and aviation opportunities. The Chilliwack Airshow is one of only a few free admission shows left in North America. To help keep it that way, the only role the public must play is to arrive and enjoy the efforts of our superb volunteer team, cheer on our inspiring performers and spread the word! August 2023, the Chilliwack Airport is the place to be!”

There will be shuttle parking at the Chilliwack Alliance Church, 8700 Young Road, with rides courtesy of Park Avenue Limousine shuttle service.

Public Safety

Police release sketch in connection with alleged abduction and sexual assault in Abbotsford

12h ago

BCHL

Chilliwack Chiefs add sniper for the '25-'26 season

14h ago

Filipino nurses shaken by Vancouver festival attack say tragedy 'will not define us'

14h ago

Featured performers include Yellow Thunder, a 2-plane, altitude-unrestricted formation aerobatic demonstration team operated by brothers David and Drew Watson from Alberta.

Another highlight of this weekend’s airshow is Ross Granley and his Yak-18T aircraft. Granley has maintained a presence at many Chilliwack Flight Fest events. Granley is a former Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and recognized as one of the most respected pilots in the airshow industry, Flight Fest wrote on its website.

Image: Chilliwack Flight Fest / Ross Granley will perform this weekend at Chilliwack Flight Fest when he flies his Yak-18T aircraft over the skies of Chilliwack.

“Featured in the television series “Airshow”, you won’t want to miss Ross in his white Yak 18T as he wows the audience right from the second he takes to the sky,” Flight Fest wrote on its website. “We’re beyond excited to welcome Ross Granley back to the skies of Chilliwack!”

Another performer to watch is Richard Mrazek, who will also do acrobatic maneuvers in his Yakovlev Yak-18T.

Image: Chilliwack Flight Fest / Pilot Richard Mrazek is another featured performer this weekend.

Visit www.chilliwackairshow.ca for more information.