Air Show Takes to the Skies this Weekend

The annual Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show is this weekend, and this year is extra special.

Not only are there special planes (the “Screamin’ Sasquatch will fly for only the second time since WWII), it’s Navy Week.

Rhode Island Navy Week is this week and it coincides with the air show. The state was selected by the Navy to focus its celebrations here and is designed to provide area residents a chance to learn about the Navy, its people and its role in protecting the country’s security and prosperity.

The celebration will also bring some impressive sights and sounds to the Air Show, including the “Leap Frogs,” the Navy Parachute team, the Navy Divers, Sailors from the USS Constitution, music from the Navy Band and other events, activities and displays.

“Outreach programs like Navy Weeks are extremely important to ensure Americans outside Fleet concentration areas have the opportunity to connect with their Navy,” said Cmdr. James Stockman, director, Navy Office of Community Outreach (NAVCO). “Navy Weeks allow Americans to meet face-to-face with Navy personnel to increase their understanding that their Navy is a warfighting force, deployed around the world and always ready.”

The Navy Week program began in 2005, and NAVCO has since coordinated 169 Navy Weeks in 69 U.S. cities.

Of course, the Blue Angels will be on hand to wow the crowd. The skies above North Kingstown and East Greenwich have been busy all week as the skilled pilots have practiced in advance of this weekend’s fun.

And that ”Screaming’ Sasquatch” — it’s a revamped 1929 plane outfitted with a jet engine.

There will also be F-18 Hornets, planes from WWII, modern fighters, stunt planes and more.

There will also be planes from the Canadian Forces’ Snowbirds Demonstration Team. It will be their first performance here in years.

The Air Show will be open Saturday and Sunday (May 30 and 31). Gates open at 9 a.m. and the show begins at 10 a.m.

Admission and parking for the show are free. You will be asked to give a $10 donation, which will support Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

A FAQ with basic questions, such as what you can and can’t bring and a reminder that no pets are allowed (including small dogs you can hide in your purse) is accessible here.

Two key tips: bring earplugs and sunscreen. And remember, you’re on an active military base. Don’t bring anything that might get you in trouble. You will likely get searched upon entering the show.

To get to the show, set your GPS (or circle on your map) 210 Airport St., North Kingstown.

You should also follow the Air Show on Facebook here.