We were very kindly invited to attend the 2014 Abbotsford Airshow, and we cannot thank them enough. First they send me on a once in a lifetime adventure with Brent Handy of Redline Aerobatics, and then they welcomed us to check out what the Airshow is all about. Sure it was crazy hot out, but it was fun!
We had a general admission pass for a carload to a max of 6 people, so my sister joined us. Always nice to have one more munchkin wrangler. I am so glad we decided to go for as soon as it was possible to enter. We actually arrived early, and the lineup to get in was heading down the street. We all had to wait for the gates to open to let us in. The staff and volunteers are well organized and once the gates open everyone was able to flow in easily. Well done Abbotsford Airshow!
Once on the airshow grounds we parked, and loaded everything into the stroller. Our only regret was not bringing some sort of sunshade; either a pop up tent or an umbrella. Next year we will be better prepared! We did however bring our own food in, and lots of water to drink. We also had a blanket to sit on when we claimed our spot to watch the air show.
Arriving early was great because we got to see all the airplanes that were on display without feeling crowded. We could happily snap photos of the planes without people in the shots, we could talk to the owners or the different service men and women who were present, it was wonderful. Evie loved seeing them direct the planes in to their spot on the runway to park. She was also amazed to see the different airplanes. The whole time we were there we kept hearing her say “oooh!” and “Oh wow!” as she would point at the different plane or helicopter that had gotten her attention. 
There was lots of space on the grass viewing area to set up our spot for watching the airshow. Everyone simply sets up their own rows. There is seating available for an additional charge, it has it’s perks, but for a family the general admission is perfect. Behind the viewing area for the show are lots of special treat options from Hawaiian Shave Ice to Booster Juice and poutine if you didn’t bring your own food in. There are also lots of souvenir and merchant booths set up, as well as a play zone for kids. Many were enjoying the climbing wall.
We stayed for the first group of planes that were going into the sky for the airshow. We knew the day was going to be warm, but we also knew Evie’s nap time was around the corner. This worked well because the first group of planes were not overly loud so we didn’t need to worry about having ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones for Evie.
Once the planes took to the sky it was a lot of fun to watch. The show started with the mayor singing the Canadian and American anthems and we were treated to some skydivers coming out of the planes above, one even had a Canadian flag attached to him. We caught Brent Handy’s full performance, and I found myself very thankful he didn’t do the more extreme aerobatics with me in the plane. Thanks to the smoke coming out behind his plane it was very easy for Evie to keep her eyes on where his plane was.
It really is a very relaxing event, that is great for families, just be sure to bring your own source of shade, lots of water, and slather on the sunscreen. Many people in attendance have been coming for years, and same for those on staff and who are volunteering. You can tell that the people there truly want to be there because they have a love for all things aviation. Next year, I am very hopeful that they will have the night show again because we really want to check that out! 
On the Sunday of the airshow we were very kindly welcomed back again, and in order to get to where we needed to be I got to drive our car across a operating run way. That was a bit nerve-racking. We got to say thank you again to Abbotsford Airshow for welcoming us out, and to Brent for taking me up. I still cannot believe that I got to go up in that plane! What a memory.
We also got to check out the Douglas DC- 3 that just shouts classic. I was having pictures of Shirley Temple in Bright Eyes come to mind when we saw this plane. Others were mentioning the TV show Mad Men. We were welcomed aboard and actually got to taxi out with the plane to where it need to be parked for the show. The pilots of this aircraft very kindly let us check it out, and Evie even got to sit in the pilot’s seat! I sure hope her love of all things plane related continues, as she will be going on her first flight at the end of this year.
Did any one else check out the Abbotsford Airshow this year, or have you been before in the past?
