The Royal Canadian Air Force's Snowbirds are set to perform their final hometown show in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, on Saturday as their CT-114 Tutor jets prepare for retirement.

Federal Defence Minister David McGuinty announced in May that the Tutor jets will be replaced by CT-157 Siskin II aircraft, with the fleet temporarily grounded after this summer for the new planes' procurement.Lt.-Col.

Guillaume Paquet, commanding officer of the Snowbirds, described the season as 'special,' comparing it to watching children leave for university.He emphasized the privilege of giving back to the Moose Jaw community, which has supported the team for 55 years.Former squadron commander Dan Dempsey highlighted the Snowbirds' role as unifiers and their impact on inspiring young Canadians.Local residents, including Moose Jaw mayor Roger Blager, expressed mixed reactions to the decision, with some skeptical about the future of the team.

A grassroots campaign called 'Keep Them Flying' has gathered over 25,000 postcards urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to keep the Snowbirds operational.The final show marks the end of an era for the Tutor jets, which have been a symbol of Canadian pride for decades.