When the Snowbirds fly into Fort Erie, it will be a bit of a homecoming for one of the pilots.
The Snowbirds were originally scheduled to perform in Fort Erie back in May of 2017, but they had to cancel the show for more training. Now, they will be making it up to the people of Niagara by performing this Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Captain Blake McNaughton tells CKTB's Tim Denis he can remember being inspired by the team when they came to Niagara years ago.
"I used to jump on my bike at the bottom of Brock Hill, my home, and bike all the way out to Niagara District Airport to watch planes land, and I remember one time when the Snowbirds were there. And so then when I was inspired to join the military and fly I realized at one point that I might actually have a chance. And I saw some of my peers go after it and I realized, you know what, maybe I can touch that dream too."
For McNaughton, this trip may be the last chance he'll get to fly over Niagara as part of the iconic aerial team.
"I am in the lucky position that this is actually my third and final year, so coming to Niagara in a couple of days is going to be very special - a little bit of a swan song."
McNaughton reflects on his time as a Snowbird.
"We stand on the shoulders of the giants who built this team. And we try to maintain the traditions of excellence that they set out, and be that Canadian icon that the Snowbirds are."
A viewing location will be set-up for community members at Lakeshore Road between Dominion Road and Beatrice Street on Wednesday. For safety reasons, that section of Lakeshore Road will also be closed to vehicles starting at 12 p.m. until approximately 1 hour after the end of the show.