NEWS RELEASE
DOWNTOWN BARRIE BIA
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Get ready to witness the skies come alive over downtown Barrie and Kempenfelt Bay from Friday, June 14 to Sunday, June 16, presented by Pratt Homes.
Vintage planes and thundering jets will captivate audiences at one of the finest air show venues around.
Teaming up with the City of Barrie, the Downtown Barrie BIA has curated an exciting lineup of activities and performances for the whole weekend.
Friday night kicks off with a free concert featuring Daniel Romano's Outfit at 8 p.m. Daniel Romano’s Outfit is a Canadian indie rock band shrouded in mystery, and known for their high-intensity live performances. The band, which has garnered a reputation as a powerhouse supergroup, is led by Daniel Romano and consists of Carson McHone, Julianna Riolino, Roddy Rosetti and Ian Ski Romano.
“The Outfit’s live shows are nothing short of explosive, leaving audiences in a state of awe and wonderment.” (Paste magazine)
This performance is followed by the first-ever drone show over Kempenfelt Bay at 10 p.m. — best enjoyed from downtown Barrie.
Saturday brings the closure of Dunlop Street to traffic, for a 10 a.m. start of the Open Air Dunlop Air Show. A full day of showcasing military displays, local vendors, with restaurant patios and downtown businesses lining the street.
The air show runs from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., a performance by the Base Borden Volunteer Band at Meridian Place at approximately 4 p.m., followed by a meet-and-greet opportunity with the pilots and crew at approximately 8:30 p.m., which leads into an outdoor screening of Memphis Belle at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Sunday continues the excitement with Open Air Dunlop from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the air show from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., along with more military displays and street-side fun.
This event celebrates Barrie’s strong ties with Base Borden, as Hon. Col. Wayne Hay, chair of the air show committee, reflects, “I’m thrilled to celebrate the special bond between Barrie and Base Borden. This event honours our shared history in a way that brings our communities closer together. Join us as we commemorate our historic connections and look forward to an exciting showcase featuring the Snowbirds and CF-18 demonstrations.”
Steve Ricalis, owner of Donaleigh’s Irish Public House and Dunlop Street Diner and BIA vice-chair, expresses his anticipation for a bustling weekend in downtown Barrie, saying, “The air show’s coming, and I’m eager to see the impact. It’s not just about planes; it’s about bringing people downtown, boosting businesses, and making our community vibrant. Let’s get ready to enjoy the event and support our local economy together.”
Join us for an unforgettable weekend, celebrating the longest day of the year, Father’s Day, and the start of summer events.
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