Last time the Canadian Forces’ 431 air demonstration squadron known as the Snowbirds came into town, hurricanes Katrina and Rita stole much of their thunder.

Houstonians were still recuperating from the mass exodus that preceded Hurricane Rita’s landfall near the Texas-Louisiana border in September of 2005 and many New Orleans residents were still adjusting to life in their new home away from home in Houston. This time around, however, the Snowbirds are prepping to tear over the skies above Ellington Field to take center stage at the 23rd annual Wings Over Houston Air Show.

Set to take place at Houston’s oldest airport on Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th, the Wings Over Houston Air Show is one of the city’s most spectacular annual events.

“We’re definitely thrilled to have the Snowbirds back in town and we know they are going to deliver breathtaking performances,” says Brian Rinehart, airport manager for Ellington Field. “People are really excited about this year’s show, and we are particularly enthusiastic also, because this is our 90th anniversary.”

Ellington Field, a joint-use civil/military airport, has been a staple of Houston’s aviation market since 1917. The Texas Air National Guard’s 111th Fighter Squadron has an equally impressive history.

For nine decades, the fighter squadron has been based out of Ellington Field. In honor of this historical anniversary the Texas Air National Guard will introduce an honorary 90th anniversary F-16 fighter jet at the air show. This aircraft has been remodeled to represent all the different war eras that the Guard has had a presence at Ellington Field.

Other acts range from civilian aircraft to reenactments of dramatic World War II scenes from Pearl Harbor and other famous battles. Greg Poe will bring his high energy aerobatics to woo the crowds at the event; the REMAX will skydiving team and many others will also perform.

The Snowbirds will definitely be the center of all attention, nonetheless.

“It’s like fireworks as they fly towards you,” says Bill Roach, executive director of the Wings Over Houston Air Show. “It’s like a precision ballet.”