My Backyard

The May 9-10 weekend offers residents and visitors great opportunities to see Rhode Island’s Blackstone River Valley up close and personal. Connect with the region through community resources, explore and support the region through family oriented recreation, and see the creative artworks of locally talented artists.

Supporting our towns

Saturday, May 9, from 10 am-2 pm, get to know one of the Blackstone River Valley communities by attending the annual Burrillville Family Fair, happening at the Austin T. Levy School and the Town Common Gazebo in Harrisville village, located at the junction of Routes 107 and 98, Burrillville, RI.

This family fun event provides new and current residents of the many town wide resources and community services available. For youngsters, there’s the always-popular Teddy Bear Parade marching around the village, plus live entertainment.

Located in the northeastern corner of Rhode Island, bordering with Massachusetts and Connecticut, Burrillville became a town in 1806, and it’s many villages started out as mill centers during the industrial expansion of the 19th century. Today, the town has become a popular rural residential community known for its quality of life and heritage.

More information on the Family Fair is available by contacting the Burrillville Parks & Recreation Office at 401-568-9470 or online at www.burrillville.org

Riverside recreation

The Blackstone River Valley is an ideal place for leisurely recreation so close to home in Southern New England. The area offers wonderful heritage, natural beauty and amazing culture combining for a stress-free getaway.

Saturday, May 9, from 10 am-2 pm, join with the Blackstone River Valley Corridor Keepers at their second annual Wellness Walk A Thon starting at the Interstate 295 Visitor Center, along the Blackstone River Bikeway, Lincoln, RI.

Get to know more about the region and meet people and vendors from around the Blackstone River Valley as they promote health and wellness.

The Corridor Keepers are a non-profit organization dedicated to enhance and support the capacity of the Blackstone River Valley’s growing non-profit organizations working to promote healthy communities, environmental revitalization, and historic preservation in the region known as the birthplace of America’s Industrial Revolution.

More information on the walk and wellness fair are available by calling 401-762-0480 or go to the web at www.corridorkeepers.org

Art in the Valley

The Blackstone River Valley has a special place for the arts, as they not only reflect contemporary culture, but the inspiration of how people and ideas come together.

May 11-June 17, the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative is hosting the Third Annual Invitational Multi-Cultural Exhibit, presented at the PAC Gallery, located inside the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI.

Artworks presented will be showcased for juried awards and focused on the themes of multi-ethnic heritage in America.

Pawtucket Arts Collaborative is dedicated to supporting, promoting and developing the highest level of the arts for the community and its artists, by creating awareness, education and involvement through its members.

More details on the exhibit are available by calling the Visitor Center at 401-724-2200 or on the website www.pawtucketartscollaborative.org