NIAGARA-ON-THE-LAKE, ONT. -- After much consideration, the organizers of the Wings and Wheels Niagara Air Show have decided to cancel their 2007 event, scheduled for the weekend of August 25 & 26.

"We are very disappointed to have to cancel this year's show." says airshow organizer Ginger Blythin. She continues, "We had to ground it mainly due to lack of sponsorship support from the business community. A common misconception has been that the air show performers come to the area for free - this simply isn't true. Ever-rising expenses for insurance, lodging, hospitality and other necessities for putting on an event like this is the main reason that we have been forced to cancel."

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the CF-18 "Hornet" Demonstration Team, the Canadian Harvard Aerobatic Team and Third Strike Wingwalking were among the acts slated for 2007 at the Niagara District Airport in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

Wings & Wheels Niagara is an annual non-profit community event that has been held in Niagara since 2003. Past performers at the show have included the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, the Canadian Forces Skyhawks Parachute Team, the CF-18 "Hornet" Demonstration Team, Scott Manning in his BD5 MicroJet "Stinger", and precision aerobatics by Rick Volker, Julie Clark, Paul "Pitch" Molnar and Melanie Rader.

As Niagara's only not-for-profit airshow, proceeds from previous Wings & Wheels Niagara events supported community partners such as the local food banks, air cadets and Tender Wishes. This year's show was to have supported the CDS Military Families Fund.

According to air show organizer Neil Blythin, "A show like this simply isn't possible without local community support. Each year this event is run by a dedicated crew of 100% volunteers who contribute their time and expertise to making the show a success."

Not to be deterred, plans are already underway to bring back the show in 2008.