Thousands of people packed the tarmac at the Brantford Airport for the Rotary Brantford Charity Air Show. Organizers estimate between 12,000 and 15,000 people were in attendance Wednesday, as the Telephone City saw its first air show in three years. The show had previously been an annual affair, but the age and condition of the airport’s tarmac meant it couldn’t be run in 2011 or 2012. After $1 million of municipal money was spent on tarmac repairs, the all-clear was given for the show to go on. “It was such a big community event. When we lost it, there was a lot of concern,” says Mayor Chris Friel. “It brings literally thousands of people into the community for this one day.” Admission to the air show was free, but donations were welcome with proceeds – including parking charges – going to the Boys & Girls Club of Brantford and the Lansdowne Children’s Centre. “It’s a huge event for our community,” says Greg Anderson, president of the Brantford Rotary Club. Organizers say they hoped to take in up to $50,000 from Wednesday’s show.
