Visit Moose Jaw launches Snowbirds Golden Anniversary-focused campaign

In honour of the Canadian Forces Snowbirds 50th Anniversary Golden Reunion this weekend, Visit Moose Jaw is encouraging the city to “paint the town red and white”.  

Between 400-600 people will flock to Moose Jaw from Thursday through until Sunday for the festivities, which will include current Snowbirds members and their families, alumni, and many more to celebrate one of Canada’s most distinguished flight crews.  

Visit Moose Jaw wants the people within to city to show their Canadian pride and roll out the red carpet for all those entering the city.  

“We’re calling on businesses and citizens to pull out their Snowbirds memorabilia, post it on social media and tag the Snowbirds – they would love to see that,” says Crystal Froese, Visit Moose Jaw’s marketing director. “Put out your Canadian flags because they represent us everywhere they go. It’s going to be a weekend to show them how much the citizens of Moose Jaw love and appreciate them. 

This reunion has been two years in the making, as it was originally scheduled for 2020 but the COVID-19 pandemic halted it.   

Froese adds that Canadians love the Snowbirds, but no one appreciates them more than the people of Moose Jaw, and that’s why she and the Visit Moose Jaw team launched this campaign.  

“Who doesn’t when you hear the Snowbirds at home practicing or when they come back from an air show. We know what they sound like when they fly over, people run outside and take pictures and videos. We’re lucky to have them here and be able to see them practice in the spring and come back in the fall after they’ve done an excellent job representing not only Canada but Moose Jaw everywhere they go.” 

Froese has no doubt in her mind that the community will come together and show their support for the Canadian Forces Snowbirds.  

“They have such great pride in the Snowbirds. I’m sure as the alumni make their way around our city and everywhere they’re going to go they’re going to see a warm welcome from the citizens of Moose Jaw.” 

Moose Jaw’s downtown will be buzzing over the next few days with the Snowbirds 50th Anniversary Golden Reunion, but also a number of other activities.  

On Thursday, the Moose Jaw Warriors will host the Regina Pats in the organization's first-ever Military Appreciation Night. They will welcome and honour the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan Dragoons, Royal Canadian Legion, and Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. 

Also, kicking off on Thursday in the downtown area is the city’s Christmas in October, which will allow people to get a head start on their holiday shopping at businesses.  

The majority of the events for the Snowbirds Anniversary Reunion are closed to the public. The city will also be providing free transit service between reunion venues for those attending the events.