Get ready to be blown away by aerial demonstrations from the Canadian Snowbirds and a USAF F-16 Fighting Falcon at the upcoming Cranbrook Fightermeet Airshow on Wednesday, July 20.

It has been three years since the last airshow at the Canadian Rockies International Airport, but there is a spectacular line up of aircraft participating, said Hans Dekkers, the lead organizer for the event.

Man is bound to the ground, but there is something majestic about watching fighter aircraft manoeuvre in the sky, knowing that the pilot is in control, Dekkers added.

"It brings the spectator to experience something that is inspiring; you become a part of it."

The Snowbirds are the Canadian Forces premiere flight demonstration team, based in Moose Jaw, Sask, and fly the CT-114 Tutor in shows across North America.

Additional air demonstrations will feature aircraft such as a Pitts Special, P51 Mustang, F8B Bearcat, F4U Corsair, ASW15 Sailplane, L29 Delfin and a T6 Harvard.

There will be some aircraft on static display that won't be flying, such as a USAF A-10 Thunderbolt, a USAF KC-135 air refuelling tanker, and a CF-18 Hornet, but people will be able to get close to the aircraft on the tarmac.

Dekkers, a former F-16 pilot for the Netherlands Air Force, was able to secure two USAF F-16s from the Viper West demonstration team, for the show-a treat for the region as the Vipers are only doing one other air show in Canada this season.

"They know I speak their language, I understand what they need," said Dekkers. "If they mention something, to me it's not an abstract, but something specific I can relate to."

While Dekkers was the driving force behind the airshow in 2008, he's recruited some help this time around from his daughter Joy, Bill Cleland, Lisa Singbeil and Paul Augustine to take on four different areas of responsibility for the show.

The event is his way of doing something to give back to the community that has embraced him and his family since they moved here from the Netherlands in 2003, Dekkers said.

But he's the first to admit that the show wouldn't be what it is without the help of volunteers and people willing to take on valuable roles.

"I have an ever growing respect for Cranbrook and surrounding communities," said Dekkers. "There is a ton of incredible people in this town with incredible talent and dedication and incredible servant hearts.

The gates will open at the airport at 2 p.m. for a country fair and the static aircraft display; however, some planes slated for the display will be arriving afterward so keep an eye to the skies as they come in.

Kids will be able to interact with pilots and aircrew and touch some of the aircraft. There will also be a designated children's play area.

Opening ceremonies will begin at 5:15 p.m. with a flag ceremony and an honouring of our troops and veterans, before the Snowbirds begin their demonstration at 6:15 p.m.

"One of the ways to honour them (troops) and to recognize them is to show up," said Dekkers. "It is a very big event with a significant military presence and in order for us to make it as justified as possible, we must show up."

The airshow will cause an increase in air traffic noise over the City of Cranbrook as planes and crews arrive on July 19 and July 20, said Chris Zettel, communications officer with the city of Cranbrook.

"I know the additional noise has the potential to be disruptive to those on shift work or those with small children," Zettel said. "However, I am hopeful that our residents will be patient and understanding. This is a very special event for this area, with some unique aircraft participating."

For more information on the airshow, visit the website at cranbrookairshow.com.