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Guard: Air show victim of its own success
One Packed Air Show (Added: June 27, 2011)
Rhode Island National Guard officials say the weather and the event's price contributed to the large crowds at the Air Show on Sunday.
For the first time its 21 year history, the air show parking lots were closed.
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. --
Officials with the Rhode Island Air National Guard said Monday they partly blame the weather and the popularity of the air show itself for turning away hundreds, if not thousands, of people who tried to get in.
About 35,000 people attended the 21st annual air show at Quonset Point under cloudy skies Saturday, but the crowd swelled to 50,000 to 55,000 on Sunday.
Just after noon, organizers made the decision to close the exit and only allow cars on Route 403 into the parking lots, which were filled to capacity.
"In 21 years of doing this air show, we have never seen that situation develop," said Col. Arthur Floru. "To know that there is that much desire on the part of air show fans to come to Quonset, I think really speaks to the quality of the product we put forward."
Traffic was backed up for 10 miles, but Floru said the guard acted with one overriding concern.
"We run this show with three basic principles: safety, safety and safety," Floru said.
Floru said he believes there were two contributing factors.
"I think a combination of some of the earlier weather reports that were broadcast and along with the fact that we really put out an exceptional product for basically no cost," Floru said. "I think the economy in the local area has much to do with that."
Despite criticism by some who were turned away, the Air National Guard said it monitored the show minute by minute and made the decision to close based on safety and that it also alerted people on Facebook.
The guard said it may use social media more aggressively next year to alert fans about weather and traffic conditions.
