Thousands to descend on waterfront for Armed Forces Day

North Bay’s 11th annual in-person Armed Forces Day is set for Wednesday, June 7. Up to 3,500 students from local schools are expected to be in attendance.

The event will run from 10:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the North Bay Waterfront (see tentative schedule below) and will include exciting aerial demonstrations by the Canadian Armed Forces SkyHawks Parachute Demonstration Team and the CF-18 Tactical Demonstration Team, performances by the 22 Wing Band, as well as a CH-147 Chinook and other static displays. All activities and entertainment will be free to the public.

The SkyHawks are the Canadian Forces Parachute Demonstration Team and will celebrate 50 years of performances this year. Based at CFB Trenton, they are a sub-unit of the Canadian Army Advanced Warfare Centre. The team consists of both permanent members and temporary members from the Regular and Reserve Forces.

The 2023 CF-18 demonstrations will consist of two separate types of shows. One is an aerobatic demo showcasing the CF-18's wide range of capabilities. The other is a tactical fighter support demo highlighting the CF-18's ability to provide support to soldiers on combat operations. The CF-18 Demo Team will perform the latter demonstration for locals on Armed Forces Day.

Memorial Drive will be closed from 7 a.m. until 4 p.m. Parking will be available at municipal lots 2 and 10 on Oak Street, nearby the North Bay Museum and North Bay Transit Terminal. Accessible parking will be available at the waterfront and those attending are encouraged to wear red.

To ensure safety, please be aware that the North Bay Waterfront will be a “No Drone Zone" during Armed Forces Day. Residents should also expect extra noise while the CF-18 Tactical Demonstration Team takes to the skies.

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.

Before its return in 2022, Armed Forces Day was cancelled the previous two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information about Armed Forces Day, click here.