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(STEVE ARSTAD / iNFOnews.ca)

To celebrate Kelowna International Airport's 75th anniversary, a special performance by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds is set to take place this weekend.

At 1 p.m. on both Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10, the snowbirds will perform a demonstration over Okanagan Lake in Kelowna, according to a press release issued by the city today, July 4.

“We have not seen Canada’s elite Canadian Forces pilots here for years, but they will be here to help us mark Kelowna International Airport’s 75th Anniversary,” Kelowna Mayor Colin Basran said in the release. “This commitment to our city reflects YLW’s status as one of the top airports in Canada and our city’s history as an aviation pioneer and aerospace leader.”

READ MORE: 'Economic enabler': How the founding of Kelowna airport 75 years ago turned the city around

The demonstration will be held north of the W.R. Bennett Bridge.

The best place to watch the Snowbirds performance will be along the waterfront from City Park to Waterfront Park. Those watching can also tune into 104.7 The Lizard to listen to live commentary on the program.

For the safety of the pilots, drones or aircraft will not be permitted over Okanagan Lake or on surrounding parks and beaches during the performance. 

“In 1946, Kelowna citizens voted in favour to purchase the 320-acre Dickson Ranch to establish an airport and have continued supporting YLW ever since,” airport director Sam Samaddar said in the release. “YLW is excited to be able to celebrate this important milestone together with our community 75 years later.”

After the show, there will be a Wings n’ Wheels event at the new KF Centre for Excellence, located at YLW along Airport Way, 5800 Lapointe Drive, from 4 to 6 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the CF Snowbirds and see the CT-114 Canadian Tutor up close.

The Wings n’ Wheels event will also have food trucks, face painting, music and a car show presented by August Motors and the Vintage Car Club of Canada – Okanagan Chapter. 

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