Royal Canadian Airforce to do fly-by at Saturday’s Rooftop Rock

Rooftop Rock is making a comeback and will return to Prince George on Saturday as large outdoor social gatherings are allowed once again.

On Saturday, residents can head over to the CN Centre from 12 pm until 9 pm to enjoy live local music, food trucks, and a comedy show.

Additionally, a classic car show will take place from 12 pm until 4 pm as well as a big rig truck show.

Co-organizer Kyle Sampson says they’re also planning on having a couple of visitors fly through the Prince George skies.

“We’ve actually been working with the Royal Canadian Airforce to do a fly-by and so be it that the weather holds out and that there are safe conditions to fly, we’ll be expecting to see a couple of fighter jets fly by as well,” Sampson said.

He adds he’s excited to host such an event and bring the community together after last year’s event was canceled last minute due to the pandemic.

“Me and my friends we’re all involved all of the providers, I’m friends with a lot of the food truck people, it’s people that I see at other events and it’s all the same people at these events working together and so it’s really exciting to have the team together,” he said.

He adds people in the community are excited to start participating in little gatherings, and says the success of the farmer’s markets in the past few weeks is a good indicator that people are looking for a social event to participate in.

The event is intending on hosting between 75-100 vendors alongside many local businesses and crafters that will be in attendance.

Sampson says he’s also been working closely alongside Northern Health, as there will be a pop-up vaccination clinic available for residents to get their first or second COVID-19 vaccine.

While admission to Rooftop Rock is free, participants are welcome to make a donation to Wheelin’ Warriors for the North – the BC Cancer Foundation.

“We’re hopeful that we’re going to raise $10,000 for the Wheelin’ Warriors for the North and that money, of course, goes to the BC Cancer Foundation but stays right up here in Northern BC,” Sampson added.

He adds there is no expectation for donation, especially since the pandemic has had lasting impacts on many people’s financial situation, but they are accepting cash and online donations.