By JANET McGREGOR
jmac_snippets@hotmail.com

Fayette got a visit from some Snowbirds last week, but not the feathered kind.

Canadian representatives of the world-renowned Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron Snowbirds, slated to headline the Wings Over Dixie Air Show in May, flew in to check out the local facilities and brief authorities.

Wings Over Dixie has become a truly international event with the addition of Canada's premier military jet aerobatic team.

According to Captain Emmanuel Belanger, team coordinator, “Our air show is 35 to 40 minutes of action-packed aerial ballet. We have a great show.

“For those who may have seen it in past years, it is totally different this year,” he added.

Belanger and Corporal Chris Hardy flew into Peachtree City Falcon Field last week to meet with show coordinators, volunteers and others. The pair reviewed the airport facilities and pronounced them “outstanding.”

They briefed fire, emergency, law enforcement, airport personnel and others on their requirements and answered questions.

Later the two were the key speakers at the air show's sponsor reception. Local elected officials, show coordinators and those interested in becoming sponsors joined the Snowbirds for an evening of food by sponsor Affairs of the Heart Catering and beverages by sponsor Arnie's Fine Wine, Liquor and Beer. In addition to local dignitaries, representatives from the Canadian Consulate and the Canadian Tourism Commission were on hand.

Wings Over Dixie is one of only 14 locations in the United States selected for the group to appear.

The air show was able to get onto the busy Snowbirds schedule primarily through the efforts of Dixie Wing Leader Tom Barnes. Barnes enlisted the aid of U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, the Canadian Consulate and many others in his quest to have the team perform.

The air show date was changed to accommodate the schedule of the Snowbirds.

“It is rare to get a team of their caliber,” said Barnes. “I want to thank congressman Mac Collins and the Canadian Consulate for their assistance and lobbying efforts to get the Snowbirds.” Barnes' efforts began in December 1998.

The Snowbirds will be doing 61 air shows this year, “their busiest schedule ever,” said Barnes. The team is celebrating its 30th anniversary.

The two-day Wings Over Dixie Air Show and Festival, which attracted more than 20,000 last year, is projected to draw more than 30,000 this year, according to show promoters. The addition of the Snowbirds is one of the main reasons cited for the expected increase in attendance.

According to Peachtree City Councilman Annie McMenamin, “The addition of the Snowbirds to Wings Over Dixie will bring a new dimension to the air show. We are very fortunate to have been put on their tour.”

In addition to the Snowbirds' performances, there will be gliders, parachuting shows and many other attractions. There will be vintage airplanes, active duty military jets and other air related displays.

Proceeds will go to charities such as the Peachtree City Kiwanis and the Fayette Youth Protection Home.

Wings Over Dixie will be May 13 - 14 at Peachtree City Falcon Field.

The gates open at 9 a.m. The air show is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. The cost is $12 for adults, $6 for children 6 - 12.

Parking will be at Starr's Mill High School Complex, McIntosh High School and Sandy Creek High School. Free shuttles will be operated between parking and Falcon Field.

For information, phone Danny Harrison, 770-460-0073; Danny@FayetteCounty.org