Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes ofwebsite accessibility
Weather Alert
Rain ends Friday morning
Show Less
Close Alert

Rhode Island National Guard says air show grounded indefinitely


The USAF Thunderbirds fly in formation. (WJAR File Photo)
The USAF Thunderbirds fly in formation. (WJAR File Photo)
Facebook Share IconTwitter Share IconEmail Share Icon

The Rhode Island National Guard says the Open House and Air Show that entertained Southern New Englanders for decades won't happen for the foreseeable future.

“Due to continued operational challenges, the decision has been made not to continue hosting the air show,” said Maj. Gen. Christopher Callahan, adjutant general of the Rhode Island National Guard, in a release Monday.

The last air show was held in 2018. It was called off in 2019 because too many National Guard members were deployed, then it was canceled in 2020 and 2021 because of the pandemic.

A plan to bring it back last year under a new name and produced by a for-profit company ultimately fell through.

The National Guard says major construction at Quonset and Davisville is also a hindrance to staging an air show.

“Our local community is very important to us,” said Callahan. “As we look ahead, we are scheduled to host the second annual Rhode Island National Guard STEM day in October. Last year’s inaugural event hosted 500 local high school students and there are plans to expand this event to students at all levels of education.”


Loading ...