The skies above Dauphin, Manitoba could see a military spectacle this summer. City council has given its support to a plan that would bring a Canadian Armed Forces flypast to one of the region’s biggest events, the annual Countryfest music festival, set for June 25 to 28.
Organizers have asked for the flypast during the three main days of programming, June 26 to 28, at the natural amphitheatre south of the city. They hope it adds a ceremonial highlight to a festival that draws major country acts. This year’s headliners include Jelly Roll on Saturday, Nate Smith on Sunday, and Tyler Hubbard on Friday.
The request also asks military officials to consider a pass over Dauphin’s Main Street if operational needs allow, so more locals can see the aircraft. Mayor David Bosiak told council the city has backed similar flypast requests before. Countryfest president Duane McMaster said a flypast has never happened at the festival, although one was planned for 2025 but was scrapped because of wildfires in northern Manitoba.
The final call belongs to the Canadian Armed Forces, and applications need at least 90 days notice. A confirmation usually comes about a week before the event. Organizers are expecting between 9,000 and 10,000 people per day, the highest attendance since before the COVID-19 pandemic, so noise concerns mean public notice will be key.
Dauphin’s Countryfest has been running since 1990 at the Selo Ukraina site, about 12 kilometres south of town, making it Canada’s longest-running country music festival.
