When the featured performer of the 2016 Rhode Island National Guard Open House Air show cancelled their appearance, a few people commented on social media sites that they were going to skip the annual event at Quonset State Airport. The USAF Thunderbirds’ stand down, after a non-fatal crash in Colorado a little over a week prior to the Quonset event, led to a perceived gap in the flying program. Too bad for those who chose to skip it, for the air show was still the top-notch event that spectators have come to expect.

Warbirds were a big part of the show this year, with Mark Murphy flying the P-51D “Never Miss” as well as the Collings Foundation’s F4U-5N Corsair. Rob Collings flew the Foundation’s A-1E Skyraider too.

Gregory Colyer performed in his CT-133 Silver Star “Ace Maker II”, and the American Airpower Museum’s C-47 represented the Disabled American Veterans organization.

The weekend almost provided another obstacle for the show’s producers. Although Friday’s practice day enjoyed fair weather, a rapidly approaching front threatened Saturday’s show. Displaying maximum flexibility, the show’s duration was shortened and all performers were able to complete their presentations before rain arrived at the Bay.

Sunday saw the return of fair weather and many performers flew two shows during the day. Photorecon/ClassicWarbirds photographer Scott Zeno exclaimed that “Sunday was the day of the banana pass” – as most of the performers flew multiple graceful arcing photo passes as a bonus to their already enjoyable routines. Warbirds changed up a few formations during the day too.

Even without the Thunderbirds, the 2016 “Quonset” Air Show had plenty of entertaining acts and displays to see. As in the past, it was still a top-notch show.