A quick but visually stimulating display, the Snowbirds cruised over the Battlefords’ community Thursday, as they continue to make their way across the country on Operation Inspiration. (Angela Brown/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By battlefordsNOW Staff

Snowbirds Fly

Snowbirds fly over Battlefords on cross-country trek in support of front-line workers

May 14, 2020 | 3:13 PM

It was a nice relief to help get resident’s minds off the pandemic, even for a fleeting moment.

That was the overall theme of the Snowbirds’ show overhead Thursday afternoon, as they continued on their national trek through the skies in support of front-line workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Snowbirds began their tour titled, Operation Inspiration, May 1^st in Nova Scotia and have been making their way westward across the country since. The Snowbirds took off from Saskatoon around 1:30 p.m. and were soaring over the Battlefords before the clock struck 2 p.m.

A number of people stepped onto their porch to catch a glimpse of the aerial artistry.

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

4h ago

Helping hand

Big red sleigh brings holiday spirit to kick off Battlefords Empty Stocking Fund

Nov 16, 2024

Battlefords North Stars

Big performance from Maric ends Red Wings win streak

Nov 16, 2024

For some, such as North Battleford resident, Helen Kayfish, this was not the first time they had seen the dazzling display. Originally from Cold Lake – where the Snowbirds are flying to this afternoon – for Kayfish, today marks her third time catching the Snowbirds in action. It is an experience she said doesn’t get old.

“We’re all out here today to see the Snowbirds come flying over and I’m pretty excited about seeing them,” she said. “I haven’t seen them in a few years and I think it’s a good thing to just lighten up the spirits of everybody around right now during the pandemic.”

For others though, such as Zvonko Sopka, the afternoon’s show provided his first opportunity to take in the sight.

Sopka is from Serbia, but moved to North Battleford just over 12 years ago.

“I’m excited,” he said. “I want to see what it looks like; I’ve never watched them before, so hopefully it’s as cool as I think it’s going to be,” he added with a laugh before the show.

Sopka had his drone on hand, in an effort to photograph the moment the jets passed by the tower.

He said while he’s not necessarily a big fan of aviation in general, this was a special event.

“My friend sent me this idea and I just bought the drone recently, so I’m just trying to find something awesome to film with it. I think this is a good opportunity to record something cool,” he said.

The Snowbirds will continue their tour this afternoon, on their way to Cold Lake, AB.; their final destination for today.

—

battlefordsNOW Staff

On Twitter: @battlefordsNOW