What’s not to love about the thunderous sights and sounds of the Snowbirds soaring and swooping in precise, jaw-dropping formations on Victoria’s oceanfront?
“It’s such a rush,” exclaimed Sophia Miles, one of 40,000 fans who lined Dallas Road to watch the Royal Canadian Air Force aerobatic team in action Wednesday.
“It’s like when you’re a kid and your parents bring you to the air show,” the Sidney-based aviation buff said. “You get to relive that experience.”
The aerial spectacle raised funds for CHILD, the Canadian foundation that funds research to help children with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and liver disorders.
“It’s also a symbol of Canada,” said Jason Reym, her picnic partner on the grassy slopes of Clover Point.
“My heart was just going,” added Jason’s father Roel Reym. “We just can’t get enough of them, and the whole atmosphere.”
Fans even watched and cheered from vantage points like Moss Rock and rooftops, like the May Street homeowner who yelled “Great view!” to passersby while leaning against his chimney.
On the tip of Clover Point, the excitement was palpable as The Q’s Chris Moran readied a live simulcast and two Snowbirds pilots prepared for their play-by-play.
“It’s practice, practice, practice, just like everything else,” said Saskatoon-based Capt. Regan Wickett, flanked by Calgary-based Capt. Greg Mendes.
“Some days yes, some days no,” smiled Wickett, when asked if he wished he were flying high instead of fulfilling his duties as advance safety pilot and team co-ordinator at ground control.
Some familiar faces disembarked from two red double-decker sightseeing buses that pulled in.
“Grace McCarthy is the heart and soul of this foundation, and the funds she raises are for a pretty tough disease, to put it mildly,” said passenger Mel Cooper, the Victoria entrepreneur and philanthropist.
The former Social Credit cabinet minister, who co-founded CHILD in 1995 with Mary Parsons and Lindsay Gordon after her granddaughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, graciously took time out to chat.
“I was so excited that you gave us the front page today,” McCarthy said, referring to the Times Colonist’s photograph of Snowbirds Capt. Maciej Hatta readying his red-and-white jet.
“You can’t collect money until people know what it is you’re collecting it for, so I’ve had a huge educational job to do, but I’ve got lots of help and wonderful support. It’s so much appreciated.”
It was by sheer coincidence the Snowbirds became the charity’s ambassadors, said McCarthy, recalling a golf tournament dinner where she sat next to a Snowbirds head who told her how when she asked.
“I have lovely memories of being here,” the volunteer chairwoman of the board added.
“I have a grandson here and two little great granddaughters so it’s a special place for us.”
When Cooper continued to sing the praises of McCarthy and board member Red Robinson outside, he was suddenly cut off by the ear-splitting roar of jets overhead.
“Mel, you can’t compete with that!” laughed the legendary B.C. broadcaster and B.C. Entertainment Hall of Famer.
“We lost our son at 33 to Crohn’s disease so when Grace said, ‘I’m going to form this group. Would you join us?” I said, ‘Of course. Are you kidding?’” the veteran rock and roll DJ recalled.
As the aroma of waffles and hot dogs wafted across the seafront, volunteer Bob Brocklebank appeared amused that the question he was most often asked was whether fish and chips would be available.
The cheerful Royal Canadian Air Force veteran was accompanied by his daughter Erin, volunteering with dad for the second time.
“That’s how we roll,” she said, smiling.
