Fayette

got a visit from some Snowbirds last week, but

not the feathered kind.

Canadian

representatives of the world-renowned Canadian

Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron Snowbirds,

slated to headline the Wings Over Dixie Air Show

in May, flew in to check out the local facilities

and brief authorities.

Wings

Over Dixie has become a truly international event

with the addition of Canada's premier military

jet aerobatic team.

According

to Captain Emmanuel Belanger, team coordinator,

"Our air show is 35 to 40 minutes of

action-packed aerial ballet. We have a great

show.

"For

those who may have seen it in past years, it is

totally different this year," he added.

Belanger

and Corporal Chris Hardy flew into Peachtree City

Falcon Field last week to meet with show

coordinators, volunteers and others. The pair

reviewed the airport facilities and pronounced

them "outstanding."

They

briefed fire, emergency, law enforcement, airport

personnel and others on their requirements and

answered questions.

Later

the two were the key speakers at the air show's

sponsor reception. Local elected officials, show

coordinators and those interested in becoming

sponsors joined the Snowbirds for an evening of

food by sponsor Affairs of the Heart Catering and

beverages by sponsor Arnie's Fine Wine, Liquor

and Beer. In addition to local dignitaries,

representatives from the Canadian Consulate and

the Canadian Tourism Commission were on hand.

Wings

Over Dixie is one of only 14 locations in the

United States selected for the group to appear.

The

air show was able to get onto the busy Snowbirds

schedule primarily through the efforts of Dixie

Wing Leader Tom Barnes. Barnes enlisted the aid

of U.S. Rep. Mac Collins, the Canadian Consulate

and many others in his quest to have the team

perform.

The

air show date was changed to accommodate the

schedule of the Snowbirds.

"It

is rare to get a team of their caliber,"

said Barnes. "I want to thank congressman

Mac Collins and the Canadian Consulate for their

assistance and lobbying efforts to get the

Snowbirds." Barnes' efforts began in

December 1998.

The

Snowbirds will be doing 61 air shows this year,

"their busiest schedule ever," said

Barnes. The team is celebrating its 30th

anniversary.

The

two-day Wings Over Dixie Air Show and Festival,

which attracted more than 20,000 last year, is

projected to draw more than 30,000 this year,

according to show promoters. The addition of the

Snowbirds is one of the main reasons cited for

the expected increase in attendance.

According

to Peachtree City Councilman Annie McMenamin,

"The addition of the Snowbirds to Wings Over

Dixie will bring a new dimension to the air show.

We are very fortunate to have been put on their

tour."

In

addition to the Snowbirds' performances, there

will be gliders, parachuting shows and many other

attractions. There will be vintage airplanes,

active duty military jets and other air related

displays.

Proceeds

will go to charities such as the Peachtree City

Kiwanis and the Fayette Youth Protection Home.

Wings

Over Dixie will be May 13 - 14 at Peachtree City

Falcon Field.

The

gates open at 9 a.m. The air show is scheduled to

begin at 1 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. The cost is $12

for adults, $6 for children 6 - 12.

Parking

will be at Starr's Mill High School Complex,

McIntosh High School and Sandy Creek High School.

Free shuttles will be operated between parking

and Falcon Field.

For

information, phone Danny Harrison, 770-460-0073; [email protected]

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