Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (July 12/02) - If you plan on heading out to the Yellowknife International Air Show July 27, be prepared to have your bags searched.

Maj. Juan Gallego, air display director, attached to 440 Squadron Canadian Forces Northern Area in Yellowknife, says security will be tighter than usual this year. Coolers will not be permitted and any hand bags or backpacks brought past the airport gate will be searched, he says.

"If you want to come in, we have to look in your bag. If you don't want us to look in the bag then please don't come in," he asks of anyone attending the show this year.

Security measures are getting tighter than they have been in the past because of the Sept. 11 terrorist acts in the United States.

Since the attacks, Major Gallego says air show security has been increased all across North America. In the United States, for example, Gallego says police dogs and X-rays are being used by air show security.

"Here, it's going to be increased, but obviously we don't have dogs and X-ray machines and that sort of thing," he says. The only items that should be taken to the air show, says Major Gallego, are those of the utmost importance.

"If you don't need it, we suggest you leave it at home because it will slow down the entrance process."