I went to the Abbotsford Airshow in Canada in 1986. There was a World’s Fair going on in Vancouver that summer, about 50 miles away, which probably helped them get some of the other national teams. There were the Snowbirds, Blue Angels, Patrouille de France, Frecce Tricolori (Italy), and Esquadrilha da Fumaça (Brazil). That was a hell of a weekend.
Still have never seen the Red Arrows, though.
Actually my first thought was some old roller-derby teams. I’ve been told that stuff has been making a comeback.
As for the air shows, either one. My interest is more the vintage stuff and little pocket jets than the modern military hardware.
I would see the Thunderbirds only because I’ve seen the Blue Angels, but honestly any military aerobatic team from anywhere would draw me just to see the best pilots in the world doing what they do best in dramatic fashion.
Pshaw. All the above fade into obscurity when faced with the magnificence of the Red Barrows! 