Family, Fun and Flight Airshow returns to Medicine Hat Regional Airport on Friday

“We started it because my grandpa flew with the Golden Hawks, and for the 100th anniversary of powered flight in Canada, they restored one of the Golden Hawks aircraft,” Rozdeba said.

“They brought it to Medicine Hat because of our family’s connection, and that’s really how the whole idea for the airshow started.”

Since then, the event has grown into a community favourite, returning every second summer while drawing performers and aviation enthusiasts from across Western Canada.

Rozdeba said planning the event is a year-round effort, involving coordination with performers, Transport Canada, NAV CANADA, the City of Medicine Hat and a dedicated volunteer team.

“I work with an amazing team,” Rozdeba said.

“Everyone has their role, and we’ve all been around this since 2009, so people know what needs to be done.”

Rozdeba attends the International Council of Air Shows convention in Las Vegas each year.

She will also attend several airshows in Canada to recruit performers and learn industry best practices.

Friday’s activities will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and are free to attend, focusing on static aircraft displays that allow visitors to meet pilots and get an up-close look at the aircraft.

The Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks parachute team is scheduled to perform a demonstration jump at 4 p.m.

“My dad started this show mostly so people could get up close to the airplanes and meet the pilots,” Rozdeba said.

“That’s really what Friday is all about.”

On Saturday, gates open at noon, with identical flying demonstrations taking place at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., featuring performances by the South Alberta Flight Academy, HALO Helicopter, Yellow Thunder, aerobatic pilot Neil Harris and Kyle Fowler.

Admission on Saturday is $5, marking the first time organizers have charged an entry fee after relying on donations during previous editions.

“We’re asking people to bring cash if they can because it helps get everyone through the gate faster,” Rozdeba said.

For Rozdeba, who is both a licensed pilot and flight instructor, continuing the event is about more than aviation.

“I really want to keep it going because of my dad and keep making it better for him,” Rozdeba said.

“It also honours the legacy my grandpa left with the Golden Hawks. It means a lot to our family.”

The event has also received support from the City of Medicine Hat through its Community Vibrancy Grant and numerous local sponsors.

“We’re a non-profit organization, so we rely on sponsorships and community support to make this possible,” Rozdeba said.

“We really can’t thank everyone enough.”

by Jesse Gill

Family, Fun and Flight Airshow returns to Medicine Hat Regional Airport on Friday

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