Summer officially arrived this weekend and so did the airshow season in Ontario with the Wings and Wheels show in St. Thomas, ON.

  With Mother Nature playing her hand in the weather the forecast for Saturday was off and on rain. With an hour delay some of the acts went up and did a limited show. Some of the featured acts were the Centennial Hornet, Hawk One and the Snowbirds. Both the Snowbirds and Hawk One had been put on a safety issue grounding and the organizers were disappointed that their appearance would not take place.

  The show put on a benefit supper Saturday night and part way through the dinner the first of the Snowbird pilots walked in. Later in the evening the rest of the pilots along with the Hawk One and Golden Centennaire crew arrived. The safety issue was resolved and the teams were able to leave their temporary home of CFB Bagotville.

  Sunday brought sunshine and very warm temperatures. The organizers estimated a crowd of over 25,000 people and many more trying to make it to the show the police closed down the roads leading to the airport.

  The day started with the departure of the Hornet, Hawk One and the Centennaire Tutor for an appearance at the FlyFest in Hamilton. Shortly afterwards the SkyHawks made their first of jumps to open the show. A KC-135 from Alabama with F-16’s from New Mexico in tow was next in the show, both showing off their skills. The SkyHawks returned to complete their jumps. Their jump platform was a Griffon helicopter from 400 Squadron stationed at CFB Borden.

  Coming from Alaska was a C-17, making a full stop landing and take off from the 5000 foot runway in St. Thomas. From nearby Tillsonburg the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association made several passes including a missing man honouring our military and saluting Charlie Fox, DFC.

  Throughout the day the crowds were treated to F-15’s from Barnes ANGB, the Green Mountain Boys from Vermont, and A-10s from Baltimore. From Norfolk, VA representing the US Navy was the Hawkeye AWAC. On the ground were many training aircraft used by the navy.

  The show marked the return of legendary Canadian aerobatic pilot, Mr. Bill Carter to skies over St. Thomas. Making their first Canadian appearance was Walt Peirce and Double Trouble.

  Making a trip up from Hamilton and their FlyFest was the CWH Lancaster and the VWoC P-51. To add to Canadian content the Centennial Flight returned flying in formation and single ship passes before landing. The Hornet returned to the skies later putting a full show and the show ended with the flight of Snowbirds along with Hawk One.