Gimli Glider Exhibit Grand Opening Events started Saturday evening with the arrival of Captain Bob Pearson and Pearl Dion bringing with them a 6 cutaway model of Fin # 604 the Gimli Glider that was quickly hung in the Exhibit room by Kevin Peters, an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Chris Blair, the donor of the model and Steve Bannister, VP of the Gimli Glider Exhibit. What an superbly detailed, lit model! Sunday morning started with a Breakfast Buffet for our Special guests at the Lakeview Resort & Conference Centre in the Lakeview Room C that has a wonderful view of Lake Winnipeg.
After Breakfast there was a tour of the Exhibit before proceeding to a luncheon at the Waterfront Centre. A light Luncheon Reception was held at the Johnson Hall on the top floor of the Waterfront Centre that presents a spectacular view of Gimli and its waterfront to our guests. Guests had a chance to mingle and meet Captain Pearson here pictured with the Gimli MP, Mr. James Bezan and The Gimli MLA, Mr. Jeff Wharton. The Gimli Glider Exhibit President, Barb Gluck welcomed everyone to the luncheon and introduced Captain Bob Pearson who spoke to the assembled guests about his unique event and landing of 34 years to the day.
After a delicious luncheon provided by Mad Dash Catering, Captain Bob Pearson and Barb Gluck, President of the Gimli Glider Exhibit cut the congratulatory cake. It was delicious. Everyone then proceeded to the Harbour-front Bandstand for the Grand Opening Ceremony. Present to bring greetings and congratulations were our special guests from L-R Jon Althof, Associate Director Business Development UTC Aerospace Systems Rockford, IL, USA Brigitte Sandron, Senior Vice-President Travel Manitoba Barb Gluck, President Gimli Glider Exhibit Captain Robert (Bob) Pearson, Air Canada Gimli Glider Pilot Steve Bannister, VP Gimli Glider Exhibit (MC) James Bezan, MP Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman Jeff Wharton, MLA Gimli Constituency Thora Palson, Councilloe RM of Gimli Captain Pearson told his personal account of the amazing Gimli Glider story that happened 34 years earlier to the crowd. They listened attentively for they appreciated they were listening to a first-hand recounting of an incredible historical aviation event. Following the speeches, Captain Pearson took scissors in hand and cut the ceremonial
opening ribbon and officially opening the Eimli Glider Exhibit. Holding the ribbon was Gwen Harp, Secretary/Treasurer on the Left and Barb Gluck, President of the Gimli Glider Exhibit on the right. After the Ceremony, the lineup of those wanting to meet Captain Pearson and get his autograph was very long but fans persisted in the warm afternoon sun to meet this real live hero. Captain Pearson s autographing session (him seated at the table) with the audience lasted over an hour and a half, interspersed with short media interviews. Later that day, Susan Jewett, a Flight Attendant and her son Thomas went to the spot on the racetrack where she exited the Gimli Glider 34 years earlier.
Jon Althof, Associate Director Business Development, UTC Aerospace Systems visited the site as well Sunday afternoon. The next morning a group visited the spot where the nose of fin 604 came to rest on the runway come racetrack. From L-R Steve Bannister, VP Gimli Glider Exhibit, Pearl Dion Passenger, Keith Berglind, long time Winnipeg Sports Car Club member (and our escort) Chris Dion, Passenger, Captain Bob Pearson, Gimli Glider Pilot, Gwen Harp, Secretary/Treasurer Gimli Glider Exhibit, Tim Schmeling, UTC Aerospace Systems, and Chris Blair, 6 model donor. By all accounts it was a very successful Grand Opening event; one that saw many visitors exploring the Exhibit. If you visit Gimli please do drop by for a visit to the Gimli Glider Exhibit. I m sure you will find it a worthwhile experience!