The 2013 Rhode Island Air National Guard Open House and Air Show has been canceled following federal budget cuts. The Guard decided to nix this year's show after the U.S. Navy canceled the remainder of the Blue Angel's 2013 season because of the cuts– also known as the sequester.
Six other military acts that were slated to perform during the 2013 show also pulled out of the program, forcing event organizers to assess the situation and, inevitably, cancel the entire show.
"I want to thank all who have supported this long-standing event, planned and executed by the professionals of the Rhode Island National Guard," said Major General Kevin McBride, Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard. "It is our intent to plan and prepare for an open house in 2014 and continue our support of the many charitable organizations that benefit from this event."
This year's air show was scheduled for June 29-30. Each year, the show – which began in Quonset in 1991 – draws tens of thousands of people. In 2011, the second day of the show sold out for the first time in the event's history.
The event also raises money for charity. In 2011, the air show was able to raise $115,000 for Hasbro Children's Hospital from donations made at the gate.
