Canada’s Snowbirds Celebrate 50 Years
By D.V. Dempsey, CD
Fifty years ago, on July 11, 1971, Canada's newest airshow team took to the air for their first major airshow at CFB Moose Jaw. Following in the footsteps of such eminent predecessors as the RCAF Siskins, RCN Grey Ghosts, RCAF Red Knight, RCAF Golden Hawks and Canadian Armed Forces Golden Centennaires, the newly named "Snowbirds" were destined to become Canadian icons admired by millions of fans across North America. The team adopted its name on June 25, 1971, following a "name the team" competition at the base elementary school. We now know that two young Moose Jaw students submitted the name "Snowbirds" – Douglas Farmer (in collaboration with Terry Berger-North) and Cathy Tiller.
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