Wednesday, October 27
Event Details
WaterFire’s 25th Anniversary Celebration!
Supported by Rhode Island Manufacturers Association
Basin lighting – 6:15 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Rhode Island Manufacturers Association (RIMA) will host the 25th Anniversary WaterFire Providence VIP gala commemorating Manufacturing Month in Rhode Island. The WaterFire lighting will begin at 6:15 p.m. and the fires will remain lit until 9:30 p.m. The first of its kind event will be held Wednesday, October 27th at Skyline in Providence; all proceeds benefit WaterFire Providence. The evening will include a special WaterFire lighting, cocktail reception and valet parking. Governor Daniel McKee will be on hand to present an official proclamation declaring October as Manufacturing Month in the State of Rhode Island and will be joined by Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor and other state, industry and business leaders.
“We first set WaterFire alight in 1994, and it is hard to remember Providence back then. The astonishing thing is how quickly the entire community joined in to help make WaterFire such a success. Thanks to all of our staff, volunteers, financial supporters, boat builders, fabricators, civic leaders, donors, community partners and many more over the years, WaterFire and Providence are now known all around the world.”
WaterFire Creator, Executive Artistic Director & coCEO Barnaby Evans
Manufacturing Month kicks off on the first Friday in October and recognizes the manufacturing industry’s many contributions to the state and nation. Known as the birthplace of the industrial revolution, Rhode Island became a pioneer in manufacturing when Samuel Slater built the first factory in America in 1790. Today, Rhode Island Manufacturers Association represents over 1600 manufacturers who employ over 41,000 workers and the industry is stronger than ever. “This is a defining moment in Rhode Island’s manufacturing industry, which has an important legacy,” said RIMA Executive Director Dave Chenevert. “WaterFire Providence has enhanced so much of what we love about this state; we are honored to partner with them to host this very special event.” The manufacturing industry is a key driver of Rhode Island’s economy, with over $1.75 billion in manufactured goods exported in 2020; 88% percent of all exporters in Rhode Island are small businesses.
WaterFire’s 25th Anniversary Celebration Supporters
Organizer
