Brant United Way ‘stepping up’ to deliver an air show in August

The Brantford Air Show has come full circle.

The Brant United Way, the original air show sponsors, are planning this year’s show – the first since the COVID-19 pandemic grounded large public events.

Dubbed the “Wings and Wheels Charity Airshow,” the event is tentatively scheduled for Aug. 30 at the Brantford Municipal Airport. It will feature airshow performances, vintage car displays and interactive learning activities.

Plans call for admission to be free and by donation, however, a fee for parking will be charged.

Details of the air show were made public at Tuesday’s city council’s planning and administration committee.

“I’d really like to commend the (Brant) United Way for stepping up and taking on the air show once again,” Coun. Greg Martin (Ward 3 said. “I hope it’s a success and that we get the great weather that we always get for the air show.”

Martin said Brant United Way has done an ‘admirable” job of taking on the event.

Many of the air show acts have already been booked so the format for this year’s show has changed to include classic cars, Martin said.

Councilors unanimously agreed to provide $10,000 to support insurance costs associated with the event. The committee’s decision will come before council for final approval later this month. If the expenditure is, as expected, approved, the money will come from council’s priorities reserve.

City council had already set aside $21,500 in its 2023 operating budget to support an air show for this year. In total, the city will be providing $31,500 to support the event.

“I’d really like to commend the (Brant) United Way for stepping up and taking on the air show once again,” Coun. Greg Martin (Ward 3) said. “I hope it’s a success and that we get the great weather that we always get for the air show.

Martin said Brant United Way has done an ‘admirable” job of taking on the event.

Many of the air show acts have already been booked so the format for this year’s show has changed to include classic cars, Martin said.

count. John Sless said that although the event is free, donations will be accepted.

“We all know what the Brant United Way does in the community so if you can spare a few bucks to support them, then please do,” Coun. John Sless (Ward 2), said.

Ward 4 Coun. Richard Carpenter said the air show, like the Santa Claus parade, is one of the community’s premier events.

“It’s a great event and it’s something worthwhile to invest in for our community,” Carpenter said.

Carpenter said the event requires a lot of volunteers and the most difficult part of holding an event like this is getting volunteers. He urged people interested in volunteering to reach out to Brant United Way and help make the show even better.

Brant United Way can be reached at 519-752-7848.

The air show attracts between 13,000 and 15,000 people and has had different sponsors over the years.

The Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum partnered with the Rotary Club of Brantford to sponsor the event from 2017 to 2019.

A 2022 show sponsored by the warplane heritage museum was cancelled, largely due to the lingering impact of the pandemic.

Earlier this year, after the Rotary Club told the city that it would not be holding an air show in 2023 and, with the future of the event in doubt, councilors decided to look into having the city take it over.

City staff were asked to provide a report on the possibility of taking over the event by March.

Goal on Feb. 23, the city received a letter from Daniel Rankin, executive director of Brant United Way, stating plans for a 2023 air show were underway.

“Understanding that a charity airshow in Brantford has been a cherished tradition – the Brant United Way is pleased to announce the Wings and Wheels Charity Airshow – a free community event for all ages to be held at the Brantford Municipal Airport on August 30th, 2023, Rankin said in the letter.

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