Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air Show 2016

USPA NEWS - Be prepared to catch the shockwaves! Sonic waves, sound waves and heatwaves challenge spectator´s brainwaves and captures their imagination at this years Rhode Island National Guard Air Show“¦

What a beautiful day to go to the Rhode Island National Guard Air Show. There are tons of people everywhere. Families gather in lines to sit in and learn about the military aerial and ground assault vehicles. When you're a kid going to the air show, you can't fathom how big the planes truly are. Little ones wait with anticipation to get their chance to explore the various fighter planes and have their picture taken as a remembrance of their adventure.

Excitedly they try to rush from one exhibit to another, targeting the biggest or the meanest looking ones first. Once their turn arrives, a national guardsman helps them navigate up the narrow passages or stairways, as well getting in and out of each of these specialized historic vehicles. Seated high above the crowds, even if only briefly, these kids feel like they are the king of world floating on cloud nine with all the many fighter pilots of years past.

Even before the first aerial show begins, little tummies are grumbling and concession lines are are filling up. Event favorites are hotdogs, “steak“ burgers, kettle corn, soft pretzels, and fries. With the temperatures close to 80 degrees, the sun glaring down, and blustery winds causing parched throats, let´s not forget the ice cold beverages“¦some of Rhode Islanders´ preferred choices are Del´s lemonade, Dunkin Donuts iced coffee, water and beer. For those looking for a frosty cool down, a mist-filled cooling tent was available in addition to a multitude of vendors having icy treats of ice cream and Minute Maid lemonade or fruit-flavored frozen confections available.

If these didn´t delight, there were kid friendly activities as well. Bouncy houses lined the central walkway as well as a paintball tent was popular in checking marksmanship skills. Both young and old were challenged to test their physical strength and agility“¦ sit-up and push-up challenges went on throughout the day. Young at heart found the zip line exhilarating while others tested their mental and physical resolve on a rock wall which offered a fifty dollar prize for scaling the hardest challenge the rock climbing wall had to offer. The most popular activity for youth was the tethered bungee cord trampoline activity- acrobatic displays of jumping, back tucks, forward flips and an occasional belly flop were viewed. Despite their level of proficiency, they all had fun.

Spectators have an appetite for excitement. The announcer´s stirring of the crowd echoed through the Quonset airport. Suddenly crowds began to herd like cattle to the runway for the explosive opening of SHOCKWAVE. This sonic truck is a fire breathing, smoke spewing favorite of both young and old. With speeds of over 300 mph, it contests the speed of even the most modern of aircraft. Waves of heat from Shockwave´s blast off and pass by add to the day´s scorching entertainment. For those who are willing to brave the elements, the tests of time and obstacles of life, we will see you again next year at this extraordinary event.

We must add a side note of compassion and heartfelt thanks to all those who donated- all entrance donations from this weekends event will be going to Hasbro Children´s Hospital.