This event is being sponsored by: University of Rhode Island College of Business and The Rhode Island Hospitality Community
University of Rhode Island College of Business Administration
Outreach is at the core of the mission for both the University of Rhode Island and the College of Business. On the anniversary of the College’s 90th year educating those who have, are, and will soon lead and manage change in the global business economy, the URI College of Business Administration is proud to sponsor WaterFire Providence, which, like the College of Business, is a brilliant light powering Rhode Island.
Rhode Island Hospitality Community:
Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, The Rhode Island Hoteliers and Partner Restaurants
Great places to stay when visiting Providence and WaterFire: The Omni Providence Hotel, Providence Biltmore, Hotel Providence, Hampton Inn & Suites, Downtown Providence Courtyard, Marriott Providence Downtown, Renaissance Providence Downtown Hotel, and Hilton Providence. Dining out in Providence? Patronize our partner restaurants: Ruth’s Chris Steak House, The Whiskey Republic, Aqua, Lola’s Tequila Bar & Catina, Bluefin Grille, E&O Tap, Vanity Supper Club, Hemenway’s Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar, and Fat Belly’s Pub
June 14th, 2014 Event Schedule:
Sunset time: 8:22pm
All Full WaterFire installations light up over eighty braziers from Waterplace Park to Memorial/South Main Street Park. Lighting occurs shortly after sunset and the event continues until just past midnight. Please check this page frequently for updated information.
Get the evening’s music program here!
The WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza – 6:00pm – 10:30pm
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”Photo by John Simonetti”]
Located on Washington 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.
On June 14th the WaterFire Arts Festival Plaza will feature the works of: Floweredsky Designs, Lotus Life Designs, Wrist Candy Creations, Harliquinn Designs, The Utopian Collection, M Pearl LLC, AniArt, Recycled Silverware, Anne Made Design, Periodically Inspired, Strawberry Lane Design, Barefoot Gems by Jen’s Gems, and Bryce Studios.
Grab a Bite To Eat
You can find food vendors on Washington Street adjacent to the Arts Festival Plaza including: Cilantro Mexican Grill, Dudley’s, Expo Productions, Kettle Corn Express, Rhode Illin’ Ice Cream, Umelt. As well as on College Street near Memorial Park including: Blue Grotto Restaurant, Parkside Rotisserie & Bar, Ron’s Pastry Gourmet, and Taste of India. Also check out the Nutty Bavarian, Frenchy’s Popcorn, and Del’s Lemonade push carts located along the river walk .
WaterFire Providence presents The Gaspee Project
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”The Great Debate at the New Sabin’s Tavern. Photo by Dan Taylor”]
Providence, Rhode Island was the site of the first organized rebellion against the British crown and lead the effort to establish America as an independent nation, a year and a half before the Boston Tea Party. Providence citizens met at Sabin’s Tavern to debate the challenges, opportunities and risks of rebellion and decided to take action against the British. They launched long boats after dark and attacked and captured the British sloop Gaspee off Gaspee Point, and burned the vessel to the waterline. WaterFire Providence is pleased to bring to life this astonishing history with three creative learning opportunities.
Noon thru Midnight – From Flash Mob to Freedom: The Twitter Story
Join us throughout the day to follow this thrilling story of daring patriotism by seeing it all unfold in the long-lost twitter feeds of that famous day. Starting at 12 noon on June 14, 2014, WaterFire will use technology and social media to bring to life the key characters including Lt. William Dudingston, Captain of the Gaspee, James Sabin, owner of the Sabin Tavern, and many more. Check out the WaterFire Gaspee Twitter feed #WFGaspee and witness the revolt as it unfolds. For background and context and to learn more about Rhode Island’s revolt against British rule join us at https://gaspee.waterfire.org.
Take a Walk Through History
The WaterFire Gaspee Project Self-guided Tour
Grab your smart phone and dive into the history of Gaspee Affair. We have a produced a short self-guided walking tour powered by the Guidigo App that takes you through 10 historic locations related to the Gaspee Affair of 1772. Download the app and start exploring. Receive a special offer for savings at the WaterFire Merchandise Store upon completion of the tour.
Rhode Island Historical Society Riverwalk Tour
A special walk to celebrate Gaspee Days. Before the fires are lit, join a guided walking tour to discover the story of the historic Providence River and Waterfire, the most popular arts event in the history of Providence. What happened the evening that the British ship Gaspee was burned in June, 1772? What role did John Brown play? How did the river influence decisions that were made? Why is it important for Rhode Island to remember this event over 240 years later?
Hear stories of the hard working waterfront of the past as well as the dazzling transformation of the area for leisure and for Waterfire, a phenomenon in Providence since 1996.
Departs from the John Brown House (5:30pm departure) 52 Power Street. Ticket: $10, please reserve your spot by contacting Barbara Barnes by calling 401.273.7507 x362 or email [email protected]. Free parking available.
Stephen Hopkins House Tours
Tours will run from 10:00am – 10pm. 15 Hopkins Street, please call 401.421.0694 for reservations.
9:00 pm – 10:30 pm: New Sabin’s Tavern – The Great Debate
From 9:00pm to 10:30pm discover a fascinating re-enactment of the lively debate that occurred at Sabin’s Tavern on June 9th, 1772 over whether or not the Colonies should demand independence from Great Britain. At The Wild Colonial Tavern at 250 South Water Street (one block from WaterFire downstream at the intersection of Power Street) three engaging historians, John McNiff, John Concannon, Jonathan Ryder and Earl Salisbury, will lead us towards a deeper understanding of what was discussed that night from the perspective of the Providence residents who first started the American Revolution. Learn their grievances and arguments against the Crown, their hopes for a new country, and their fears of reprisal for acting to insure their liberty. Enjoy ale and drinks and a special colonial cocktail, right nearby at The Wild Colonial Tavern at 250 South Water Street, Providence. Performances from 9:00pm until 10:30pm.
One block from the original site of Sabin’s Tavern we are creating The New Sabin’s Tavern in cooperation with The Wild Colonial at the intersection of South Water Street and Power Street (250 South Water Street). Enjoy authentic colonial liquors and fine ales and witness a recreation of this historic debate among the citizens of Providence. Performances will be during the evening from 9:00pm on at the high table out front by Power Street.
Check out the Warwick Gaspee Day’s events on Ignite Providence.
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.
