Naval Base Newport is putting the finishing touches on its annual Salute to Summer concert and fireworks display, scheduled for Saturday, August 24.
“I am extremely pleased to host the Salute to Summer and welcome the families of our military, Department of Defense and local community to this year’s event,” said Captain Henry Roenke, installation commander. “I experienced my first Salute to Summer last year, one month after assuming command of the installation. It was a truly remarkable event that showcased the great relationship our installation has with our local community partners and residents.”
Last year, the Salute to Summer attracted over 8,600 people to the base, and this year the number is expected to be slightly higher.
The event’s activities and music will begin at 2:00 p.m. for members of the military community and their families. Authorized Department of Defense ID card holders will also be allowed into the event at this time. Public entry and facility access will begin at 4:00 p.m. that day. The fireworks display is expected to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
The free public event will feature several performances, including the Toe Jam Puppet Band, Moment’s Notice and Navy Band Northeast. In addition to the music, there will be activities for children and there will be food vendors on-site where you can purchase snacks, meals and beverages.
“As part of event security measures, coolers, outside food and beverages, glass bottles or containers, banners or signs of any kind, fireworks, firearms and other weapons, defensive sprays (pepper spray) or chemicals, illegal and recreational drugs and drug paraphernalia, pets and drones are not permitted on the facility,” noted Navy Lt. Adam Levine, facility security officer. “All strollers and small bags such as diaper bags, tote bags, backpacks or purses are permitted and subject to search.”
According to Levine, all event guests over the age of 18 must show a government-issued photo ID to enter the base, and guests under that age will only be admitted if accompanied by an adult.
“We encourage everyone to come prepared for a long, fun and entertaining day at Salute to Summer,” said Bruce Katz, event spokesperson. “Guests are asked to bring folding chairs, blankets and appropriate protective clothing and products to make their day more enjoyable and fun.”
The facility’s main gate, Gate 1, on Training Station Road will be closed to all vehicular traffic beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event in preparation for public pedestrian traffic to the facility. When Gate 1 closes, all vehicular traffic will be prevented from entering Training Station Road at the intersection with Third Street. After Gate 1 closes, vehicular traffic may still access the facility through Gate 17 on Access Road in Middletown. Guest and handicapped parking will be permitted at the Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) New England complex on Third Street in Newport. Vehicles may enter the NMRTC area beginning at 3:30 p.m. Guests will then proceed to the facility through the NMRTC rear gate on Training Station Road to enter the event. Shuttles will be available to transport handicapped individuals from the NMRTC to the event entry checkpoint.
For more information about this event and future updates, visit navymwrnewport.com/activity/786d3432-8214-4a42-8b02-89624cbef63b
This article originally appeared in the Providence Journal: Salute to Summer returns to Naval Base Newport on August 24
