Sponsored by: the Northeastern Society of Orthodontists
The Northeastern Society of Orthodontists (NESO) is a not-for-profit corporation, recognized as a constituent of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO). NESO serves orthodontists in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and the Canadian provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland.
September 12th, 2015 Event Info:
Sunset: 7:02 p.m.
Lighting time: 7:22 p.m.
The fires will remain lit until 12:30 a.m.
Music Program
All Full WaterFire installations light up over eighty braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park on the below scheduled evenings. Lighting occurs shortly after sunset and the event continues until half past midnight.
Things to see:
Clear Currents Community Paddling Event
Clear Currents Paddlers Help Us Light Up the River
Starting at sunset, volunteer canoeists and kayakers with illuminated Japanese koi fish mounted to their vessels will paddle up and down the river in schools beautifully complimenting the burning braziers. WaterFire Providence is excited to have so many different community members joining us as part of this effort to bring awareness to the health and cleanliness of one of WaterFire and Providence’s greatest resources: Water!
Gendo Taiko will be performing on the river
Gendo Taiko of Brown University and RISD is performing five Taiko drumming pieces as part of the opening ceremony. Taiko is a traditional Japanese form of drum performance that has early origins in the driving away of evil spirits. This evening’s performances are given in the spirit of healing.
The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island is celebrating 225 years of serving Rhode Island.
A gathering of the 53 Episcopal Churches in our state. The diocese provides resources and educational opportunities to encourage spiritual development and outreach in the churches of this diocese, as well as in the greater community.
- Live musical performances on Steeple Street from 7pm to 10pm: Sponsored by The Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island. Enjoy the inspiring sounds of choirs from around the diocese throughout the evening including, children’s choirs, multiple adult choirs and the NewFire singing group.
- Visit the Episcopal Diocese of Rhode Island’s “Hopes for Rhode Island” station. In addition to the choral festivities please stop by the “Hopes for Rhode Island” station on Steeple street where there will be a childrens coloring craft table featuring angel coloring sheets as well as a station for people of all ages where participants can submit their hopes for Rhode Island which will then be hung on display for all to see.
Visit the Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial
WaterFire is honored to welcome the new Rhode Island Holocaust Memorial to Memorial Park. The Memorial designed by RI artist Jonathan Bonner with landscape architect Will Green was made possible by the Holocaust Memorial Committee chaired by Herbert B. Stern.
The Memorial is offered in tribute to all that we have lost and all that we have learned as a place for meaningful reflection with hopes to create a kinder world. It was dedicated on August 26, 2015 in a ceremony including Mayor Jorge Elorza and Congressman James Langevin, Rabbi Wayne Franklin, Rabbi Barry Dolinger and Rabbi Sarah Mack. Prayers and songs were sung by Cantorial Soloist Jodi Blankstein, whose voice joins us tonight as we affirm our support to this important Memorial and its higher purpose.
Please join us at WaterFire each night in making your own offering of a pledge of remembrance at the stone in the circle of light at the new memorial.
Charge up the night with National Grid!
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”Visitors make use of a National Grid Courtesy Phone Charging Station. Photo by John Nickerson.” ]
Make sure you can capture the magic of WaterFire all evening long by visiting National Grid charging stations on Washington Street and College Street to recharge your smartphone and other mobile devices during the lighting.
The WaterFire Merchandise Store on Canal Street – Open 5:30 – 11:00 p.m.
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”WaterFire Providence volunteers at the The WaterFire Store on Canal Street, photo by Jennifer Gervais.” ]
The WaterFire Store on Canal Street is open for business. Stop in and buy a t-shirt, hoodie, poster, magnet, pendants and much more to help support WaterFire and keep the fires burning. Also make sure to check out the Photos of WaterFire tent on Washington Street. This tent will have matted photo prints, featuring the work of our Volunteer Photographers; WaterFire Providence postcards; large format photo posters; and silk screen prints by local artists.
The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza
Washington and Steeple Streets – 6:00 – 10:30 p.m.
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza on Washington Street. Photo by Jennifer Bedford.” ]
Located on Washington Street and on Steepl Street in the heart of the WaterFire installation, the Arts Festival Plaza is a showcase for local artists and crafts-people. From photography and sculpture, paintings and hand-crafted ceramics, to jewelry and specialty textiles, the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza features a wide range of locally crafted artisan wares to exhibit for sale to WaterFire’s visitors.
Gerbermühle: Biergarten unter den Weiden – Beer Garden Under the Willows
Waterplace Basin 6:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Gerbermühle: Biergarten unter den Weiden in partnership with Trinity Brewhouse. In a friendly salute to our new international air partner, Frankfurt, Germany (with non-stop flights on Condor Air from T. F. Green PVD Airport), WaterFire has opened a beer garden on the Woonasquatucket in partnership with Trinity Brewhouse. The new beer garden with German beer and food focusing on Frankfurt specialties is located just upstream of Waterplace Basin in the heart of the downtown river park, under the willow trees at the foot of the IGT building. Forty five tables, specially made by WaterFire will mount on the river railing overlooking the double row of bonfires for your dining pleasure.
Grab a bite to eat! Visit one of our great food vendors:
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College Street
Taste of India
Parkside Rotisserie & Bar
Ron’s Pastry Gourmet
Canal Walk, near the RISD Campus
Frenchy’s Popcorn
The Nutty Bavarian
Steeple Street
Fat Belly’s Irish Pub Beer Garden
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Washington Street
UMelt – Lobster Rolls
Flatbread Company
Dudley’s
Kettle Korn Express
Various Locations
Del’s Lemonade
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Catch your favorite WaterFire performers!
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”Mime artist Michael Grando as Pierrot. Photo by Yessenia Pineda.” ]
Mime artist Michael Grando will make his 2015 season debut. Be sure to catch Michael, in costume as the Commedia dell’arte character Pierrot, as he cruises the river tossing carnations to visitors along the shore.
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”One of Ten31 Production’s gargoyle characters at WaterFire Providence. Photo by John Nickerson.” ]
Visit the living statues in Memorial Park at the World War I monument. Ten31 Productions returns with their interactive living statues and gargoyles in Memorial Park shortly after lighting.
Historical Open Houses
Make time to see The Governor Stephen Hopkins House located at 15 Hopkins Street (off Benefit Street). They are open for tours between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The last tour begins at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free, donations are always welcome.
The Nursing Placement First Aid Station on Washington Street – 6:00pm – 11:00pm
Providing a safe environment for our visitors while they are enjoying WaterFire Providence is a top priority for us. Should you need assistance a first aid station is available at the top of Washington Street behind the Arts Festival Plaza.
Nursing Placement the official first aid provider at WaterFire events will offer first aid care to the public at any time during the event. Additionally, the venue will serve as a meeting place for missing children and parents to reunite. The First Aid RV will be located on Washington Street and can be found on all WaterFire event maps. Nursing Placement will also be taking applications for new team members to help serve the RI population.
Hitch a ride with Sol Chariots Pedicab
Sol Chariots Pedicab Cooperative is a local, worker-owned cooperative business operating in Providence RI that provides sustainable, pedal-powered transportation services.
Operating mostly in the downtown area, Sol Chariots primarily provides a bike taxi service for short-distance transportation, as well as a new way to experience and explore the city of Providence. A pick-up and drop-off location will be established along the northbound lane of Memorial Boulevard between College and Washington Streets.
About the author
I've worked at WaterFire Providence since 2003. For the first 9 years of my career, I worked in the Production Shop learning all of the details that go into the physical production of the event. In 2012 transitioned to the role of managing WaterFire's social media and web presence. I now head up WaterFire Providence's digital projects including, web, social, databases, and our physical IT infrastructure.
We will be staying in New Providence the week end of 9/18. Will there be any Fire events that week end?
Hi Linda, unfortunately you are in town for weekend where we are not doing an event. We have lightings on 9/12 and 9/26.
where is the exact street location?
Hey Kim,
We usually give people 100 Canal Walk, Providence RI 02903 as good address for plugging into a GPS. More info about parking and directions can be found on our website: https://waterfire.org/visit/plan-your-trip-to-providence/
What’s close by parking to the water park area?
I think that parking at Providence Place Mall is the easiest parking spot. You may need to have some patience when you go to leave as the lot gets crowded. There are plenty of smaller lots that are nearby too and there is a big lot at the Statehouse that is open to public for the night. See: https://waterfire.org/visit/parking-and-directions/ for more info.
How is the weather for Sep 12 event and will the show be stopped if it rains . Planning for a drive from NJ with a 3 year old. So please advice.
There is a slight chance of rain tomorrow night. WaterFire goes on rain or shine. It will mostly depend on your tolerance for a light sprinkling. Bring an umbrella. 🙂
Any good restaurants nearby the waterfires?
Hi guys it was a beatifull night, I hope to come back . . . thank you. Carmes from Italy