YVR at 80
byVancouver International Airport (“YVR”) turns 80 this year and on top of their free “Take off Fridays” they are hosting a celebration Friday July 22 and Saturday July 23, 2011 from 10:00am to 3:00pm.
1940 – Airport administration building. Archives Item#: CVA 586-171. Photographer: Don Coltman
80 Memorable Moments Photo Gallery
On Level 3 of the Main Terminal, explore a photographic history of YVR’s 80 years. The gallery will run from the Domestic Terminal food court to the International Terminal’s Spirit of HaidaGwaii, The Jade Canoe sculpture.
In-Terminal Entertainment
The Main Terminal will be buzzing, thanks to family-style entertainment provided by live DJs, magicians, face-painters, balloon twisters and YVR’s own Green Coat volunteers distributing 80th Anniversary giveaways. YVR’s shops and restaurants will be getting into the spirit, offering lunch specials and product sampling.
1948 – Woodward’s truck parked by a Trans-Canada Air Lines plane at the airport.
Archives Item#: CVA 1184-3392. Photographer: Jack Lindsay
Airside Ballet
In a display of coordination, timing and sheer equipment size, YVR’s unique airfield firefighting emergency trucks will showcase a ballet like you’ve never seen before. Visible from the public observation area (Domestic Terminal) at 11:00am both days.
Vintage Aircraft Display and Flypast
At YVR’s South Terminal – the original location of the airport when it opened in 1931 – visitors will find an impressive collection of vintage aircraft parked on the south side apron. The South Terminal parking lot will offer the best views of these vintage beauties. Check back soon for details on the vintage aircraft flypast. This will take place at the old South Terminal, and a shuttle will be setup to take visitors over.
1960s – VPL Accession Number: 41254. Photographe/Studio: Province Newspaper
80th Anniversary Grand Prize
Once you’ve arrived at YVR, be sure to pick up an 80th anniversary commemorative brochure from one of our Customer Care counters or Green Coat volunteers for more details and a ballot to enter to win an 80th anniversary Grand Prize: a two-night stay in a Deluxe room at the Fairmont Vancouver Airport and $200 YVR bucks to spend at any YVR retailer. Ballots must be deposited at the South Terminal Building.
Aside from being a part of our region’s history, YVR has also been a part of my own past (and present). We would dress up and head to the old terminal to pick up my Oma and Opa when they returned from weeks in Germany, my family welcomed my sister back from her backpacking trip across Europe, and I boarded my first plane at YVR in 1995 on a school trip to France. We’d pile into our family van, get some take-out, and sit out under the runway watching the planes land. An enthusiastic, “Whoa!” from all of us would greet with each approaching jet.
The 80th anniversary celebration is a great time to get out and explore this important collection of buildings that see goodbyes, welcomes, laughter, hugs, and tears every day. It’s also one of the most award-winning airports in the world so it’s something we can all be proud of. YVR has also been looking for a storyteller that will live at the airport for 80 days. The deadline to enter by submitting a video is July 18th. You can enjoy the public observation area any time you visit.
