As expected, thousands of people descended on North Bay's waterfront to honour the local members of the Canadian and U.S. Armed Forces but with the windy conditions wreaking havoc on the much-anticipated planned aerial demonstrations, it was mostly the activities on the ground that entertained the spectators as they celebrated the 11th annual in-person Armed Forces Day (see photo gallery).
Despite the team members' eagerness to perform in North Bay, officials decided the SkyHawks Parachute Demonstration Team could not safely jump from the helicopters and their performance had to be cancelled.
See: Fuel stop only for Snowbirds prior to Armed Forces Day
The CF-18 Tactical Demonstration Team had mechanical issues but did send one team member out to make some passes above Lake Nipissing. And, there was a flyby from the CH130J Super Hercules.
Both demonstration teams sent personnel down to the waterfront to meet and greet those in attendance.
See also: Students to attend Armed Forces Day despite air quality — NNDSB
The day's focus remained to honour our military friends and neighbours and a sea of boisterous students that emerged from the school buses that lined Memorial Drive and Oak Street did just that. Armed Forces Day featured performances by the 22 Wing Band, as well as popular static displays, including one of a CH-147 Chinook. All activities and entertainment were free to the public.
Armed Forces Day is held annually in North Bay to recognize members of the United States Air Force who, as part of NORAD and in support of the mission of the Canadian Air Defence Sector at 22Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay, contribute to the successful bi-national organization and have been part of the North Bay community for over 70 years.
