Anticipation Building for Air Show this Weekend

Like a fighter jet, the Rhode Island National Guard Open House and Air Show is coming fast.

This year, the show takes to the skies a bit earlier than years past, officially kicking off May 17.

The show is in its 23rd year and returns after a one-year hiatus due to federal budget cuts last year.

More than 75,000 are expected to attend the two-day event that both electrifies the skies and raises money for Hasbro Children's Hospital and other charities.

This year, crowds will see the United States Navy Blue Angels show off the best piloting skills in the world, a demonstration of the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor stealth superfighter, which is considered the best fighter in the world; A bi-plane, the legendary P51-D Mustang, which saw conflict in WWII and Korea, The Horsemen, Rob Holland Ultimate Air Shows, Geico Skytypers and more.

Gates open at 9 a.m. and flying starts at 10 a.m. Get there early because in true military fashion, dates and schedules are pinpoint precise.

The show runs two days on Saturday and Sunday. Expect the performance to end around 4:30 p.m.

Answers to frequently asked questions can be found on the Air Show's official Web site. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter. 

Admission and parking to the show is free. But be sure to bring a $10 bill because there's a donation collection at the entrance. It's voluntary, but think of it as a small price to pay for an up-close look at historic and ultra-modern aircraft and technology.

Meanwhile, pilots and officials have been practicing and gearing up for the two-day affair, including some lighthearted ways to practice keeping formation. Check out the attached video of the Blue Angels practicing delta formation at the Vero Beach Air Show.

The video is one of many photos and videos posted to their Instagram account.

The show is located at Quonset State Airport at 210 Airport St., North Kingstown.

Stay tuned for more coverage of the air show.