Exciting weekend preview of happenings inside Rhode Island???s historic Blackstone River Valley
Independence Day Holiday Happenings in Rhode Island???s
Blackstone River Valley
Friday-Monday, July 1-4, 2016
Happy Birthday America!
Blackstone River Valley Celebrates Nation???s 240th Birthday
With Local Culture, History and Nature
With our nation marking its milestone 240th anniversary of our independence over the busy July 1-4 weekend, you don???t have to go far to experience a true American story at Rhode Island???s Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park.??
Noted for its legacy as the actual birthplace of our country???s Industrial Revolution, Blackstone River Valley is a unique ???farms to factories??? tapestry connecting important aspects of how America evolved through social, economic and community development.
Those roots have become the foundation for the Blackstone River Valley we know today in the 21st century, where communities, people, heritage, nature and creative talents are driving the region???s revitalization.
Come to participate and see these suggested events reflecting a new and vibrant Americana so close to home in Southern New England!
Saturday, July 2, 2016
6 pm-10 pm
US Navy Show Band Concert & Fireworks
Bryant University, 1150 Douglas Pike
Smithfield, RI
401-232-6000, www.bryant.edu
One of the more popular patriotic concerts! Town of Smithfield and Bryant University present the renowned US Navy Show Band from Naval Station Newport performing. The campus opens to the public at 6 pm, with the concert at 8 pm, capping off with a colorful fireworks display at 9 pm.
Thursday-Sunday, June 30-July 3, 2016
Evening Home Games
Pawtucket Red Sox vs. Columbus Clippers
McCoy Stadium, Ben Mondor Way
Pawtucket, RI
401-724-7300, www.pawsox.com
Celebrate America???s pastime with Rhode Island???s favorite baseball team, as the Paw Sox take on the Columbus Clippers in night time action over four days.
Enjoy the intimate setting of McCoy Stadium and see baseball up close and personal. Plus, over the four night home stand, fans get to participate in fun happenings.
On ???Throwback Thursdays??? the Paw Sox will pay homage to the region’s rich baseball history and will wear a 1940s-era Pawtucket Slaters jersey each Thursday home game after Opening Night. The Paw Sox will bring back former players, have nostalgic tributes to various decades, and induct the first-ever class of the Paw Sox Hall of Fame. The dates for these specific efforts will be announced.
???Free Fridays??? are nights dedicated to the finer things in life…things that are free! Fridays will feature a variety of options, including free on-field photo opportunities, Sox Bucks good at concessions and merchandise stands and more!
During ???Super Sox Saturdays??? the Paw Sox will feature something special, or super, every Saturday night.
And, after the games on July 1st, 2nd and 3rd, stay around to watch Post Game fireworks presented by the Paw Sox and the Pawtucket Fireworks Committee to celebrate America!
Sundays, July 3, 10 & 17
Hourly tours at 1 pm 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm
Blackstone Valley Explorer Riverboat Tours
East Providence, RI waterfront
Operating from Oyster House Marina
Tickets and information: www.rivertourblackstone.com
Led by Mystic Aquarium educators, you will hear stories of the workers, residents and early settlers of the Blackstone River Valley and what it took to make our region what it is today. As the 45-minute tours wind along the waters and thick foliaged riverbanks you may get a chance to see the swan, grey blue heron, hawks, deer, turtles, or even the rare bald eagle, that live along our renewed waterways.
In this tour of the East Providence waterfront, located in the city???s historic Watchemoket Point, located across the Seekonk River from the Providence, RI skyline, you will learn about the amazing culture and heritage of this area.
Lean about how this former fishing port area became transformed into the city???s commercial center, the many Portuguese immigrants that came to settle here, and recent waterfront revitalization efforts.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Arnold Mills Annual Independence Day Parade
Cumberland, RI
Now in its 90th year, this festive local parade presents marchers, bands and floats celebrating America???s birthday! Events start off with the Road Race at 9 am, the Parade stepping off at 11 am, and Holiday Concert at 1 pm.
Monday, July 4, 2016 4 pm
2016 Ancient & Horribles Parade
Putnam Pike, Chepachet village
Glocester, RI
Nothing is sacred as Glocester locals spoof local and national politics during the famous??Ancients & Horribles Parade on the Fourth of July. The parade first wound its way down Main Street in Chepachet in 1926 and, with the help of many dedicated volunteers, has continued to delight Glocester residents each and every year since.
This year, parade organizers will not have a Grand Marshall, and will honor America???s War Veterans who gave their duty to protect our nation???s freedom.
Of course, the parade has local marchers who often lampoon local and national celebrities, politicians, popular culture and issues of local interest. Oftentimes, this parade is featured in national news headlines for its offbeat and fun look at modern American lifestyles.
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL INFORMATION ON ALL EVENTS, DATES, TIMES, LOCATIONS AND DETAILS ON EACH EVENT ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE. PLEASE CALL EACH EVENT CONTACT DIRECTLY FOR THE MOST LATEST UPDATES!
Also, visit www.tourblackstone.com for more daily events and visitor information.
Questions and comments on the Blackstone River Valley can be e-mailed at BVTourism@aol.com
For a complete listing of all events happening throughout the year in the Blackstone River Valley, visit our Calendar of Events on the web at www.eventblackstone.com
This interactive website is freshly updated daily and offers direct links to detailed information on each public event posted in the Calendar of Events.