Image: Laurice Gomes / Pattison Media / Chilliwack Flight Fest, one of the last remaining free airshows in all of Canada, has received a $12,000 annual funding commitment over the next three years following approval by Chilliwack city council at its meeting on Tuesday, June 6. Organizers of the event project this year's event will cost $178,500 compared to $166,500 in revenue, resulting in a $12,000 shortfall which will be covered by the city's funding.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack Flight Fest

Chilliwack city council approves funding for one of the few free airshows in Canada

Jun 14, 2023 | 10:18 AM

CHILLIWACK — One of the few remaining free airshows left in Canada is getting a financial boost from the City of Chilliwack for the next three years.

With projected expenses totaling nearly $178,000 for this year’s event, organizers behind Chilliwack Flight Fest saw their request for funding get the green light at a Chilliwack city council meeting on Tuesday, June 6.

Council approved funding for the airshow over the next three year under the Community Development Initiative funding policy.

Flight Fest organizers estimated this year’s expenses would tally $178,500, with the bulk of those costs coming from performer fees ($40,000) and advertising ($40,000). However, they projected $166,500 in revenue coming largely from sponsorship in kind ($59,000) and gaming revenue ($50,000).

Given the anticipated $12,000 shortfall, city staff had no problem recommending that councillors approve the funding request. The city has also agreed to contribute tables and chairs at no cost.

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“This free event is run solely by a group of dedicated volunteers who strive to ensure a free, positive, family experience is delivered each year,” said staff member Carol Marleau, manager of recreation services and corporate wellness for the City of Chilliwack.

According to Marleau, event hosts in the past have had to rely on city staff to procure and deliver amenities such as tables, chairs, snow fencing, assist with traffic control, and support delivery of the Flight Fest event. The value of this service was estimated at $8,000 when costed out, Marleau wrote.

“Although this service model has been effective, it is proving somewhat tenuous in its sustainability as its delivery model is dependent on staff availability and continuity in the event’s lead volunteers,” Marleau stated in her staff report.

City staff met with Wayne Oberst and Kimberly Lysak, two of the major organizers behind this year’s Flight Fest, and discussed the possibility of moving to the Community Development Initiative funding special event model. This approach, Marleau wrote, better aligns with other community events currently supported by the City of Chilliwack and mitigates any fluctuation in resources.

Chilliwack Flight Fest 2023 is set for Saturday and Sunday, August 19-20 at Chilliwack Airport.

by Mike Vanden Bosch

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Chilliwack city council approves funding for one of the few free airshows in Canada

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