City replaces Aviation Day with new event

Columbus and the Columbus Municipal Airport are replacing the annual Columbus Aviation Day with a “Birds & Brews” event.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds flight demonstration team will headline the event from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18. The community celebration of aviation known as Aviation Day was traditionally held in June.

Airport director Brian Payne said the original date for this year’s Aviation Day was set for June 8, the same day as the Fort Wayne Air Show. Realizing that many of the aircraft used in the Columbus show would not be available, Payne and his team decided to find an alternative.

“We looked at other dates, but they were booked by things like graduation, Cummins’ 100th anniversary celebration, the Columbus Craft Beer Fest — there just was not a good weekend,” Payne said.

Payne was approached by airshow announcer Luke Carrico, who said he had an interesting offer, but told Payne he wasn’t allowed to turn it down until he heard Carrico’s complete offer.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds were looking for a place to host a midweek show in the United States. Payne immediately jumped on board and booked the Snowbirds on the only date they had available, which happened to fall on a Wednesday in September.

“We’ve always held Aviation Day on a Saturday, so this could be an opportunity for people who couldn’t come on the Saturday to hopefully experience a weekday show,” Payne said. “People will find it off, but when can you say you had this much fun on a Wednesday night?”

This will be the Snowbirds’ first central Indiana appearance. They are a Canadian icon comprised of Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defense Public Service employees. Pilots, technicians, mobile support operators, resource management support clerks, an engineering officer, a logistics officer and a public affairs officer representing the Army, Navy and Air Force, work together to put on performances.

An estimated 7,000 people are expected to attend, similar to the traditional Aviation Day turnout. Admission is free.

“It’s an opportunity to see a world-class show in Columbus, Indiana,” Payne said.

Birds & Brews will also feature a beer garden area for adults to purchase beer. ZwanzigZ Brewery of Columbus will be creating a one-of-a-kind Canadian brew only available at the event.

Food vendors will also be available for participants. A U.S. military flight demonstration and parachute jump, children’s educational activities and a Hot Air Balloon Glow are planned. Full size hot air balloons will lift off the ground while still staked so they only go up a short distance, he said.

The event is set to begin at 4 p.m. with educational activities for kids to learn about aviation. The Canadian Forces Snowbirds program will begin at 5:45 p.m. with a special introduction prior to the show.

Payne said he hopes the airport could return to the traditional Aviation Day in the future, but he is excited for this one-time event.

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What: Birds & Brews

Where: Columbus Municipal Airport

When: Wednesday, Sept. 18; 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Who: Open to the public

Cost: Free admission

For a complete schedule of events, visit columbus.in.gov/airport/programs-events/birds-and-brews.

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The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron, are a Canadian icon comprised of Canadian Armed Forces members and National Defense Public Service employees.

Pilots, technicians (aviation, avionics, aircraft structure, supply), mobile support operators, resource management support clerks, an engineering officer, a logistics officer and a public affairs officer representing all three elements (Army, Navy and Air Force), work as a team to bring thrilling performances to the public.

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