Overview
- The FourLeaf Air Show drew an estimated 268,000 spectators on Sunday for Semiquincentennial programming that featured the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and other military and civilian acts.
- Sunday included firsts for the Royal Air Force Red Arrows on Long Island and the United Arab Emirates' Fursan Al Emarat performing in the U.S.
- A civilian drone briefly appeared over the show and a Canadian Snowbirds pilot struck a bird but returned to Republic Airport as a precaution with no injuries reported.
- State parks officials and FourLeaf announced the Monday cancellation early on July 6, citing forecasts of downpours and strong storms that would reduce visibility and prevent safe flying, while the U.S. Coast Guard maintained a marked no-entry boating zone for safety.
- The event was moved to the Fourth of July weekend for America 250, saw heavy crowds and pre-event heat warnings, and organizers say they will review weather and safety planning as they prepare for future shows.