Residents kept their eyes on the skies as the Canadian Snowbirds made their way across Chatham-Kent and Windsor.
The military aerobatics team's made a single pass over Chatham's Gregory Drive Public School Tuesday afternoon.
Retired vice principal George Sims, who helped to organize the flyover, says the school is trying to re-establish its relationship with flight demonstration team.
"A long time ago, the kids wrote letters to the pilots congratulating them on promotions, birthdays, anniversaries and things of this nature," says Sims, adding it's a memorable experience for the students. "It's rather interesting, some of the former students will say, 'I remember when they flew over' and 'I remember sending letters to those guys' -- it's worthwhile."
The planes could be heard well before the students saw them. The crowd stood with excitement as the planes left a trail of smoke across the sky just before 1pm. In addition to the letters, there's also a "Snowbirds Wall" display inside the school. Principal Harmony Queen says they can now update that wall with the planes' most recent visit.
"We're really excited to put some new updated photos there that kids are able to connect with," says Queen. "They can say 'you know what, we saw that,' not just 'we heard it used to happen.'"
Gregory Drive student Ashton Stocking says he and his friends were excited leading right up to the Snowbirds' appearance.
"Everybody was really happy they were coming by, because they're the Snowbirds. You don't get very many times to see that," says Stocking.
After they soared over Chatham, the Snowbirds did a double flyby over the Canadian Historical Aircraft Association at Windsor International Airport for kids with cancer and their families.
Founder of Kids in Flight Paul McCann says he organized the flyby to give these kids the opportunity to just be kids.
"These things can increase their quality of life and that increase in their quality of life can help them get through the hour, the day, the week, the year and maybe more long term through treatment and their prognosis with cancer," says McCann.
As the planes flew over head Team Lead Major Yanick Gregoire spoke to the kids and their families through the Windsor International Airport communication tower.
"A special hello to all the kids living with cancer and their families. Our flight path is dedicated to all of you kids," said Gregoire. "You all have the courage of a lion and are very special. The snowbirds hope we bring you smiles."
The snowbirds are passing over the region on their way from St. Thomas to Ypsalanti, Michigan.
- With files from Jake Kislinsky and Maureen Revait
