Current and former Canadian Forces Snowbirds members, along with their families, and other dignitaries have flocked to Moose Jaw for their 50th Anniversary Golden Reunion, which kicked off on Thursday and runs until Sunday. 

The reunion is scheduled every five years, but COVID-19 forced them to cancel their reunion in 2020, so now it’s been seven years since they’ve been able to get together.

Retired Lt. Col., Dan Dempsey says after a long wait it’s nice to be back in Moose Jaw and together with former and current Snowbirds members.  

“We are very excited to have people coming from right across Canada and even some of our friends from the United States are coming up to help us celebrate the Snowbirds so it’s going to be a wonderful weekend,” says Retired Lt. Col., Dempsey.  

They are expecting over 500 people to be in Moose Jaw over the next several days to take in the festivities and catch up with old friends.  

Retired Lt. Col. Dempsey did say that their events over the next four days will be closed off to the public, but the current Snowbirds squadron will be doing a fly-by over the city on Friday from approximately 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

Retired Lt. Col. Dempsey was a pilot within the Royal Canadian Armed Forces for 23 years and flew jet aircraft for 43 years, but he notes that one of the greatest tours of his life was the two seasons he spent with the Snowbirds.  

In 1979 he made the squad flying in Snowbird 9 and then was asked back for the 1989-1990 season to take the role of team leader.  

“I just can’t say enough about the team, it’s a tremendous fraternity. It’s very rare, as there are only 50-60 military pilots who fly on a country’s demonstration squad full-time and to be selected to do that is a real honour to wear that flag on your shoulder and represent your country is probably one of the finest things a Snowbird can ever do.” 

Over its 52-year history, the 431 Demonstration Squadron has been at 2,757 shows that have been open to the public and flown at 435 different locations across North America.  

For a lot of these alumni members, this is the first time that they have made the trip back to the Friendly City and Retired Lt. Col. Dempsey says that the city has rolled out the red carpet for him and the other members.  

“Most of us pilots and technicians are pretty young guys and a lot of us started our families right here in Moose Jaw. They have really pulled out all the stops here this weekend to welcome us. We really appreciate that.” 

Visit Moose Jaw launched its “paint the town red and white campaign” earlier this week in a way to honour the members and show the community’s support for the Snowbirds.   

They are encouraging businesses and citizens to pull out their Snowbirds memorabilia and decorate their storefronts, schools, and homes in red and white.  

Also, they are asking people to post their decorations on social media and tag the Snowbirds as well.    

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.   

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