The Rhode Island National Guard is bringing back Leapfest, the largest and longest running international static line parachute training event and competition in the world, to Adams Farm in Exeter, on Aug. 6, after being forced to cancel the event in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID.

The purpose of Leapfest is to foster international partnerships and develop spirit de corps within the  worldwide Airborne community while performing the primary missions of paratroopers.

“We are proud to be bringing this world-wide tradition back to Rhode Island,” said Col. John MacDonald, 56th Troop Command Commander and host of Leapfest 2022. “It is critical, now more than ever, to reaffirm and strengthen relationships with our international partners.”

Paratrooper teams from the Netherlands, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Germany and New Zealand are all scheduled to participate in Leapfest 2022. Prior Leapfests have included teams from Tunisia, Honduras, Egypt, South Africa, Poland, Italy, New Zealand, The Netherlands, and more.

Paratroopers exit the CH-47 Chinook helicopter at around 1500 feet utilizing the MC-6 parachute and will attempt to land as close as possible to one of three “X”s marked on the drop zone. Once the  paratrooper lands on the ground their time starts and runs until the jumper touches the X. The team with the lowest combined time wins the competition. There are both individual and team achievements.

The public is invited to attend at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, on Adams Farm at 300 Hog House Hill Road, Exeter, Rhode Island. The event is family friendly and free.