Helicopters In Hamptons For 'Practice Run' Before Trump Visit

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — A flurry of activity at Southampton High School Wednesday seemed to be an indication of preparations for President Donald Trump's fundraising visit to the Hamptons this week, as a number of United States Marine Corps helicopters were seen landing at the field.

Southampton Town Supervisor Jay Schneiderman said he believed the helicopters — at least five were visible in a video — were participating in a "practice run" for Trump's arrival.

The information, however, could not be immediately confirmed.

An official at the field this afternoon told someone that it was a practice run, Schneiderman said. He described a "giant, green Osprey helicopter" that flew closely near his home, "giving new meaning to helicopter noise."

Lisa Votino, who lives in Southampton, was also at the field and said she too was told by someone there the goings-on might be connected to Trump's impending visit.

Southampton Fire Department members and EMTs were also seen at the field.

For the second time this summer, a "TrumpStock" boat parade will be held on local waters, this time on the East End. A flotilla will head from Orient Point to Montauk on Friday, one day before political fundraising events in the Hamptons for the president.

Trump's visit will begin with a dinner Thursday attended by Trump's son, Donald Trump Jr., and his girlfriend, Kimberly Guilfoyle, according to CNBC. Tickets are reportedly slated to cost up to $50,000. On Saturday, tickets to the Hamptons fundraiser include a photo opportunity, roundtable and an event where tickets will fetch up to $500,000 per couple, with proceeds benefitting the Trump Victory Committee and Republican National Committee, CNBC reported.

The events will be held amid social distancing protocols and a statewide ban on gatherings of more than 50 people put in place by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. Guilfoyle tested positive for the coronavirus in July, according to an NBC report.

Thousands of boats are expected at TrumpStock, with at least 15,000 attending on the water and thousands on land. It will be the second TrumpStock boat parade on Long Island in recent months; the first was held in June with separate routes in Patchogue and Massapequa.

"The Trump family will be attending, you don't want to miss out!" a Facebook post promoting the event said. "The best patriotic decorated boat along with the highest donator towards President Trump's campaign will have the honor to meet president Trump in person for a photo."

Boaters are asked to turn out to show their support not only for Trump but to "back the men in blue."

The event is hosted by Boaters for Trump New York, Businesses for Trump and others.

"For all of our Eastern Long Island boating enthusiasts, we are so excited to announce that we will be bringing the first Trump parade to the East End of Long Island called 'TrumpStock' with the Trump family in attendance to support President Trump in his home state," the post said.

Those attending are asked to meet south of the Orient Point Lighthouse at 12:30 p.m. before heading to Montauk at 1 p.m. The parade is slated to begin with a Pledge of Allegiance over VHF Channel 11.

"We will take it nice and slow heading southeast towards the Montauk Lighthouse," the post said. "There will be two lead boats leading this very special parade, 'Team Deplorable' and the most well known boat in America, Carlos Gavidia's 'The Official Trump Boat' in which everyone attending the TrumpStock Parade will follow to the TrumpStock Flotilla to show everyone our support for our GREAT President, Donald J. Trump! Take your boat or get on your friend's boat, bring all of your flags and Trump gear to show everyone in NYC how much we love and support our President!"

Contest held to meet Trump

In addition, a contest is being held in advance of the fundraiser and dinner; the winner will fly to Southampton to meet and take a photo with the president. Donations will benefit the Trump Make America Great Again Committee, a post said.