Will Provide Live Aerial Coverage Of The Festivities

The Goodyear Blimp is returning to Canada this summer to take part in Canada Day celebrations in the nation's capital on July 1. As the country celebrates its 150th birthday, the blimp will provide live aerial coverage of Ottawa's festivities and fireworks, offering breathtaking views of the city below.

The Goodyear Blimp is returning to Canada after two visits in 2016. The now-retired Spirit of Innovation blimp traveled from California to Abbotsford, B.C. in July, and Wingfoot Two, Goodyear's newest and largest airship, spent two weeks in the Toronto area in September providing aerial coverage of the World Cup of Hockey.

"From the Olympic Games to World Series and Super Bowls, the Goodyear Blimps have a long tradition of being part of the most watched sports and entertainment events in North America and around the world," said Paul Fitzhenry, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief communications officer. "Canada 150 marks an important milestone in the country's history and we are honoured to be part of the celebration, working with our Canadian broadcast partners to deliver captivating aerial coverage to Canadians from coast to coast to coast."

"Having the iconic Goodyear Blimp fly above Ottawa, Canada's capital city, as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada's Confederation will add yet another notable moment to the year-long celebrations we are enjoying in 2017," said Michael Crockatt, president and CEO of Ottawa Tourism. "The views from the blimp on Canada Day—July 1—of the hundreds of thousands of revelers in our streets will be spectacular!"

Wingfoot Two will fly over Ottawa on July 1 and those who spot it are encouraged to share photos on social media using the hashtag #TrueNorthBlimp. As part of the visit, the airship will fly customers and media, as well as the two lucky winners of Goodyear's recent blimp ride sweepstakes. The blimp will cross the border into Canada near Watertown, N.Y. and travel to Carp Airport, west of Ottawa, arriving on June 29. It will remain in the Ottawa area until July 2 when it returns to its base in Akron, Ohio.

Wingfoot Two is one of the largest and most technologically advanced airships in the world. Nearly the length of a football field and capable of flying at speeds in excess of 60 knots, it builds on Goodyear's legacy as the world's leading builder and operator of airships. Wingfoot Two will spend the remainder of the summer in Akron before relocating to southern California where it will be permanently stationed to make room for the next blimp being built in Akron.

(Source: Goodyear news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.goodyear.com