A Gaspee celebration

A parade before the rain, a windy burning on Sunday closes annual observance

Posted 6/14/16

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A Gaspee celebration

A parade before the rain, a windy burning on Sunday closes annual observance

50 YEARS LATER: Vietnam War veteran, Supreme Court Justice and former Warwick Mayor Frank Flaherty carried the mace in Saturday’s parade. Justice Flaherty was selected for the honor as this is the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War. Here, he leads the Pawtuxet Rangers.

CANDY QUEEN: Ward 7 Councilwoman Kathleen Usler broke from the ranks of her council colleagues to shower candy on spectators.

A PIRATE’S TOAST: Whether loaded with black powder or brew, a break in the march allowed these pirates to toast Gaspee Days.

OUT OF STEP: Dancing cop Tony Lepore took a break from his whistle-stopping routine to greet Marcia Beagan.

POINTING THE WAY: Gaspee Days President Jerrold Peshka and his wife, Pat, acknowledge the applause as they ride the parade route.

FRONT ROW SEATS: Jordan Comella, Mia Calligano and her brother Domenic were perfectly situated for the parade.

LESSON FROM A RANGER: Lt. Phil Rowell of the Pawtuxet Rangers gives a lesson on the operation of cannons during the colonial era.

A SALUTE TO SCOUTING: Gaspee Cub and Boy Scouts were enthusiastically greeted in Saturday’s parade.

AT A FAST CLIP-CLOP: The Hallamore Clydesdales thrilled spectators with their precision. Hallamore Corporation based in Holbrook, Mass. owns a fleet of heavy hauling trucks and does rigging and rents construction cranes.

RELIVING HISTORY: High winds put a bit of a damper on the symbolic burning of the Gaspee, but scores gathered near the Aspray Boat House to watch Sunday’s traditional re-enactment.