Rhode Island Airshow Rescheduled For Thunderbirds Show

QUONSET, RI — The date of this year's Open House Air Show has been pushed back a week to accommodate for the headliner act, the Air Force Thunderbirds. The weekendlong event will now be held on June 20 and 21.

Because of the changed dates, the RaptorDemo Team will no longer be performing, the Rhode Island National Guard said in a release. A full list of updated performers will be announced at a later date.

Earlier this month, the National Guard announced the return of the popular summer event, which was canceled last year due to an expected high number of deployments. It was only the second time in the show's nearly 30-year history that it was canceled, following the first in 2013 due to budget issues.

The Thunderbirds "have served as the United States Air Force's premier air demonstration squadron since 1953," the National Guard said. The team, based out of Las Vegas, Nevada, is primarily performs aerial demonstrations, but are part of the Air Force's combat forces and can be deployed if necessary.

"The Rhode Island National Guard is looking forward to opening our gates to display the talents and capabilities of our amazing Airmen and Soldiers,"said Lt. Col. Christopher N. Allen, a director of the air show. "We also welcome the opportunity to host the fabulous military and civilian aerobatic acts. We can't wait to see everyone for a safe and exciting Father's Day weekend with the Rhode Island National Guard!"