NAVAL STATION NEWPORT, RI – Naval Station Newport is putting the finishing touches on its annual Salute to Summer concert and fireworks event scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024.
“I am extremely excited to host Salute to Summer and welcome our military, Department of Defense civilian and local community families to this year’s event,” explains Capt. Henry Roenke, installation commanding officer. “I experienced my first Salute to Summer last year, one month after taking command of the installation. It was a truly remarkable event that showcased the great relationship our installation shares with our local community partners and residents.” Last year’s Salute to Summer drew more than 8,600 people to the base and this year’s estimates are for slightly more.
Event activities and music will begin at 2 p.m. for the military community members and their families. Authorized Department of Defense ID card holders are able to access the event at this time also. Public attendance and access to the installation will begin at 4 p.m. that day. The fireworks display is scheduled to begin at approximately 9:15 p.m.
The free-admission, public event will showcase several performances from local area band, Toe Jam Puppet Band, and Navy Band Northeast. In addition to the music, there will be children’s activities available and food vendors on site for the purchase of snacks, meals and beverages.
“As part of event safety and security measures, coolers, outside food and drink, glass bottles or containers, banners or signs of any type, 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 installation,” noted Navy Lt. Adam Levine, installation security officer. “All strollers and small bags such as diaper bags, totes, backpacks or handbags will be permitted and will be subject to search.”
According to Levine all event guests older than 18 years of age must be prepared to present a government-issued photo ID for entry to the base and guests below this age must be escorted by an adult to gain access.
“We are encouraging everyone to come prepared for a long, fun, and entertaining day at Salute to Summer.” explained Bruce Katz, installation public affairs officer. “Guests are invited to bring folding chairs, blankets and appropriate protective clothing and products to help make their day more comfortable and enjoyable.”
The installation’s main gate, Gate 1, at Training Station Road closes to all vehicle traffic beginning at 3:30 p.m. on the day of the event to prepare for public pedestrian traffic to the installation. When Gate 1 closes, all vehicle traffic will be prevented from entering Training Station Road at the intersection of Third Street. Vehicle traffic can continue to access the installation through Gate 17 at Access Road in Middletown after the Gate 1 closure. Guest and handicap parking will be permitted at the Navy Medical Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) New England complex located on Third Street in Newport. Vehicles can enter the NMRTC area beginning at 3:30 p.m. Guests will then walk to the installation through NMRTC’s rear gate at Training Station Road to enter the event. Shuttles will be available to transport handicapped individuals from NMRTC to the event entry control point.
• MUSIC
3 p.m. - Toe Jam Puppet Band
5 p.m. - Moment's Notice
7 p.m. - Navy Band Northeast
• KID'S AREA
- My Sons Inflatables
- New England Novelties
- Wow! Face Art
• FOOD TRUCKS:
- Hometown Poke
- Ben & Jerry's
- Sweet B's Donuts
- BemBom
- Newport Chowder Company
- Saugy's Hot Dogs
- Amano Pizza & Gelato
- Tacofied
- Del's Lemonade
- Ja Patty
- Binge BBQ
- MWR Stoveaway
• FIREWORKS
~ 9:15 p.m.
• PROHIBITED ITEMS INCLUDE:
• Pets; only designated service animals permitted
• Coolers
• Outside food or drinks
• Glass containers
• Large Backpacks
• Banners or signs of any type
• Firearms and other weapons, defensive sprays (pepper spray) or chemicals
• Illegal or recreational drugs (including Marijuana) & paraphernalia
• Drones or remote control aircraft
• PROUDLY SPONSORED BY:
- Sonesta Select
- Navy Federal Credit Union
- NEXCOM Navy Hospitality Group (NHG)
- Scouting America Narragansett Council
- US Family Health Plan
- First Command
- USAA
QUESTIONS, CALL (401) 841-2094.
The Department of the Navy does not endorse any company, sponsor or their products or services.