THUNDER BAY — It had been a decade since the Canadian Forces Snowbirds performed a full show in Thunder Bay.
Judging by the crowd of people gathered at Prince Arthur's Landing on Saturday, they were sorely missed.
Thousands of people flocked to the Thunder Bay waterfront for the Snowbirds noon performance, which is coinciding with the city's 40th annual Kite Festival.
Louisa Costanzo, the city's cultural development, community programming and events supervisor, said as many as 10,000 were expected to be in attendance.
The real turnout may have been even higher, she said, as she looked around the park following the show.
"I think it's fantastic," she said. "This is such a great opportunity for our community to come together. It couldn't be a beautiful, better day for it. I'm so happy to see everyone out."
The Snowbirds performed for just over half an hour, showing off a mesmerizing array of formations and maneuvers with pristine blue sky, Lake Superior and the Sleeping Giant as a backdrop.
The Royal Canadian Air Force's aerobatics team last flew over the city in May 2020 during Operation Inspiration, a cross-country tour to recognize essential workers for doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.
The city's Kite Festival continues on Sunday, with the Snowbirds will performing again at noon. A section of Water Street between each end of Cumberland will be closed from 11:30 a.m. until around 1 p.m. Parking near the waterfront is limited.
