Fort Smith (July 31/06) - For a small town, Fort Smith seems to have a knack for attracting big events.

On July 24, the Canadian Forces' Snowbirds - the famed aerobatics team - performed amazing feats of precision flying above hundreds of people gathered at Fort Smith Airport. The Snowbirds have performed in Fort Smith several times and in 2003, another national icon - the RCMP Musical Ride - appeared in the community.

Henry Beaver and his grandson Motega Paulette were among the many Fort Smith residents who got an up-close look at the Snowbirds' Tutor jets. - Paul Bickford/NNSL photo

Fort Smith resident Eugene Seymour said he "marvels" that a small town like Fort Smith can attract such events.

Another resident, Richard Mercredi, said he is not so surprised. "It's nice for some of the smaller communities to see the Snowbirds."

Josie Weninger, who helped organize the Snowbirds' visit, said it was the result of a big community effort.

"The people of Fort Smith are at their best at large events like this or when there's a crisis," she said.

Many people helped out, including businesses, volunteers, the Legion, the Canadian Rangers, and the town's ambulance service and fire department, she said.

"It's been very much a community effort. People are enthused about seeing the Snowbirds."

The team, based in Moose Jaw, Sask., represents the Canadian Armed Forces at air shows in cities and towns around North America.

Major Cory Blakely, one of the nine pilots, said a stop in a small community allows them to get to know people.

"In the smaller communities, we have a chance to get up close and personal," he said, adding in a larger city, long lines form for pilots' autographs. But the pilots have a chance to really talk to people in a more relaxed atmosphere when they are in Smith.

About 1,000 of the 2,600 people in town turned out for the show.

They were thrilled by the precision flying of the nine Tutor jets.

Seymour, who was once a bandsman in the Canadian Air Force, said he has seen the Snowbirds before.

"They seem to get more complex and more daring," he said. "They're always evolving."

Joline Beaver gave the thumbs up sign when asked what she thought of the show.

"It was awesome," she said.

And Matthew Bird, 12, enjoyed seeing the jets fly so close to each other. "I thought it was pretty spectacular."