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Canadian Armed Forces Day and Air Show delights thousands

Thousands of visitors from across the province visited Canadian Forces Base Borden on the weekend, enjoying displays and a spectacular air show
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The Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team contrasts against Sunday's blue sky. Thousands attended the Canadian Armed Forces Day and Air Show at Borden on the weekend. Robin MacLennan/BarrieToday

Modern day and vintage aircraft thrilled thousands at Canadian Forces Base Borden on the weekend.

"What a fitting way to celebrate 100 years of Base Borden," said Steve Trent, a self-proclaimed "plane freak" who travelled from Toronto on Sunday.

"I could watch all day."

High winds caused a few acts to pull out of Sunday's show.

"We are very much impacted by the winds today," said event organizer Ret. Maj.-Gen. Rick Kurtzer.  "Winds determine whether some of the smaller aircraft can fly.

"Safety is our always our number one priority."

There was an historic flavour to the weekend, with aircraft from the 30s, 40s and 50s joining the crowd-favourite Canadian Forces Snowbirds and the CF-18 Hornet.

CFB Borden, the largest Canadian Armed Forces training facility in the country, has trained over two million people since 1916, including firefighters, military police, medics, armoured vehicle personnel and aircraft mechanics.

Each of the base schools was featured with displays on the weekend.

Centennial celebrations continue throughout the summer. For more information about CFB Borden, visit 100yearsoffreedom.ca.


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Robin MacLennan

About the Author: Robin MacLennan

Robin MacLennan has been a reporter, photographer and editor for the daily media in Barrie, across Simcoe County and Toronto for many years. She is a proud member of the Barrie community.
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