The closest most air show attendees get to meeting an air show performer is at the autograph booth but the Waterloo Air Show has added a unique outreach program this year.
- Community outreach is part of the Waterloo Air Show
Performers will give seminars on aspects of their performances and their aviation careers at sessions in the community prior to the show. Two of the sessions, from 7-9 p.m. May 29 at the local library and 10:30 a.m. to noon at the museum on Friday, are open to the public. The performers will also visit schools and a hospital for closed events.
The May 29 event features Wayne Hadath, a Kitchener native and champion air racer, the pilots and crew from the Jet Aircraft Museum and the pilots and crew from the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association will do presentations.
The May 31 public event will feature CF-18 demonstration pilot Capt. Patrick “Flocho” Pollen and the crew from RCAF 3 Wing in Bagotville.
The Snowbirds pilots and crew will do a private hospital visit and Pollen will speak to a school group, too.
“The performers are happy to visit groups of kids and adults, as they recognize their place as role models and love to inspire people to dream, work hard and reach for their goals, no matter what they are,” said show spokeswoman Diana Spremo.