Air show generates tourism boost

The international air show held this weekend in Summerside proved to be an economic boost for tourism operators as thousands of spectators descended on the city.

Tourism Summerside estimates about half of the visitors to the the Atlantic Canada International Air Show were from out of province.

"Things are kind of winding down in the city in regards to tourism, so bringing things in the end of August and into September is wonderful for all of the operators here. It's just great overall, economically," said Carolyn Thorn, executive director of Tourism Summerside.

Roma Johns of the Mulberry Motel, said most of her guests were pilots who were part of the air show.

"Well, it's nice because I felt that tourism was down a bit this year, and it brings money a lot of money into the economy Summerside area, so that helps," she said.

Entrepreneurial spirit

Deputy Mayor Bruce MacDougal agrees.

"This air show is a great event. It attracts people from all over the Maritimes," he said.

The city invested $5,000 dollars into the show, with another $5,000 coming from the local hotel levy.

This amount did not include any police work. The air show had its own security.

Josh Gallant, who lives right across Route 2 from the airport, also benefitted from the increased traffic. He showed his entrepreneurial spirit by charging for people to park in his yard to watch the air show.

"A car load for $10 as opposed to a car load for a $100 over at the air show and, I mean, you're seeing the exact same thing right?" said Gallant.

Gallant said the no stopping signs that lined the road might have helped his efforts. Despite the signs, people still parked their cars, but were quickly shooed away by police.