Wing and Wheels Display, Kelowna

My visit to Wings & Wheels at Kelowna International Airport started with something I never expected to see at a car and aircraft show a black bear! When I arrived, I noticed a crowd gathered near the entrance. Everyone was looking up, and when I looked too, I saw a black bear sitting in a tree while wildlife officials were working to safely handle the situation. It was certainly an unusual way to begin my day.

Black bear

After entering the show, I found myself surrounded by classic cars, motorcycles, helicopters, airplanes and many excited visitors. One of the first cars that caught my attention was a 1991 Rover Mini Cooper. It was a small, beautiful car that looked like it had travelled straight from another time. I also noticed a small cast model of the same car displayed at the back, which made the display even more special.

1991 Rover Mini Cooper

As I walked further, I saw many impressive motorcycles and choppers, along with some beautiful classic cars. A helicopter that caught my attention was an Airbus EC135 P2+ operated by Bailey Helicopters. Behind it was a fan-like structure called a Fenestron, which is an enclosed tail rotor used to help control the helicopter.

Airbus EC135 P2+ operated by Bailey Helicopters

Another vehicle that stood out was a white Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce, with Italian flag colours running down the hood and its famous scissor doors open.

Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SuperVeloce

Nearby, I also spotted a Maule tailwheel bush plane, parked on the airfield with a row of dual-sport motorcycles beside it, including several Kawasaki KLR650s. Among the cars, there was an old Chevrolet pickup truck with a weathered and rusty appearance, giving it a lot of character. Next to it was a beautiful 1956 Chevrolet Bel Air Hardtop in pale green and dark grey. I also saw a striking red classic car and a silver vintage coupe with its hood open. Behind the cars was a large, polished, twin-engine vintage propeller aircraft, making the whole scene look like a perfect meeting of classic cars and aviation. The Okanagan Valley mountains in the background made everything look way more beautiful.

The show also gave me a chance to see what was under the hood of some of these machines. I saw impressive Ferrari and Mustang engines, and one of the displays that interested me the most was a 2008 Z06 Wil Cooksey's Edition Corvette. It had a powerful 427-cubic-inch engine producing 505 horsepower.

Further along, I came across more motorcycles and Lamborghinis, which created a fun mix of old classics, modern supercars and powerful bikes. I also saw a small fixed-wing airplane being lifted inside a hangar. It was supported by a heavy-duty mechanical lift attached to its landing gear, allowing the aircraft to be raised for inspection and maintenance underneath.

What I enjoyed most was being so close to the wings as well as the wheels. The runway was only around 200 metres away, so I could watch airplanes taking off, landing and flying past during the event. At one point, some of us waved at a passing aircraft, and surprisingly, the pilots waved back. It was such a simple moment, but it made everyone around us smile. There were also different stalls where visitors could learn about flying clubs, insurance and other services. I noticed artists sketching cars and creating artwork inspired by the vehicles at the show. There was also free food, which made the whole event feel more like a community festival than just a vehicle exhibition.

Sunwing flight passing by on the run way.

Another thing that made Wings & Wheels special was the live rock music. The sound of drums and guitars added even more energy to the event, while families, car lovers, motorcycle enthusiasts and aviation fans enjoyed the day together. I also saw a bunch of small planes performing in the sky.

Planes performing in sky.

I especially liked seeing the owners sitting beside their own cars, planes and motorcycles. I could talk to them and learn about their vehicles, their history and the work they had put into them. By the end of the day, I felt that Wings & Wheels was much more than a show. It brought together cars, airplanes, motorcycles, engineering, art, music and the local community in one place. It was a memorable day that showed me how fascinating machines can be and how one airport can bring together both wings and wheels.

Until next time, stay safe and happy!