The skies over Rhode Island have been thundering as C-130s, F-16s and – of course – the Thunderbirds have been making their way into Quonset for the 2012 Rhode Island National Guard Open House & Air Show. So who's showing up this year? How much does it cost? Slow your roll because we've got you covered.
Where & When
- Quonset State Airport, 210 Airport St. in North Kingstown
- Saturday and Sunday, June 16 & 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gates open at 9 a.m.
What Do I Need To Know?
- Though the show starts at 10 a.m., gates open at 9 a.m. for those who want to stake out a good seat. The show should conclude around 4:30 p.m.
- Because we all know how comfy concrete is, lawn/camp chairs along with blankets are allowed. No lounge chairs are allowed.
- Keep in mind everything you bring into the air show is subject to searches.
- Admission to the event is free, though $10 donations will be collected at the entrance gates to support Hasbro Children's Hospital.
- If you're planning on bringing your RV, get there early! There is limited parking for RVs on a first-come-first-serve basis. Sorry, no RVs are allowed in the regular parking areas.
- There will be shuttle services to and from the offsite parking lots throughout each day.
- Coming in by air? All civilian aircraft wouldn eed to coordinate with AVports (www.avports.com) prior to the show.
- In the event of rain, some flying demonstrations may be delayed or postponed. Unless the weather poses serious threat to the safety of the visitors and participants, the show will proceed as scheduled with some modifications.
- What you can bring: lawn chairs, camp chairs, umbrellas, camera/video recorders, small purses or fanny packs, diaper bags, baby strollers, wheelchairs, canes, guide/walking dogs to assist disabled individuals, water in unopened clear plastic bottles.
- What you can't bring: coolers, lounge chairs, pets, liquids aside from water in clear plastic bottles.
- Editor's Note: Wear sunscreen! You're going to be out in the sun all day with only the display planes offering shade. Don't end up like I did last year with sunburns redder than Hawaiian Punch.
Morning Acts
- USASOC Jump Team – The Black Daggers
- Sean D. Tucker
- Pietsch Air Shows (Jelly Belly)
- The ANG Flash Fire Jet Truck
- John Klatt (Air National Guard)
- C-130J Super Hercules
- Michael Goulian
- RI Army National Guard Blackhawk Demo
Afternoon Acts
- Pietsch Air Shows (Jelly Belly)
- The Black Daggers
- Geico Skytypers
- The ANG Flash Fire Jet Truck
- John Klatt
- Mike Goulian
- Sean D. Tucker
- Combined Arms Demonstration
- USAF Thunderbirds
Directions
From Charlestown
Take RT 1 North through South Kingstown. Stay on RT 1 at the RT 4 split (keep right), past Wickford to RT 403 (Roger Williams Way). After the 3rd traffic light on Roger Williams Way take a left onto Conway Street. Follow signs to Air National Guard Base. For your GPS plug in 210 Airport St., North Kingstown, Rhode Island 02852
Republished and adapted with permission from the Narragansett - South Kingstown Patch.com.