NEWS

Gaspee Days report:

Celebration bigger & better, drawing in new people

Jerry Peshka, President , Gaspee Days Committee

Posted 6/13/24

The 2023/2024 Gaspee Days celebration was a great success.

We have grown and modified several events and plan to extend those changes. We started with growing the Proclamation ceremony by adding …

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NEWS

Gaspee Days report:

Celebration bigger & better, drawing in new people

READY, AIM, FIRE: During Saturday’s Gaspee Days Parade, the Artillery Company of Newport 1741 fired cannons from the bridge on the Warwick/Cranston line. For more Gaspee Days coverage, turn to Pages 8-11. (Warwick Beacon photo by Steve Popiel)

IN THE LEAD: This year the mace reportedly made from wood from the Gaspee topped with an eagle recovered from a Civil War battlefield, usually carried by a dignitary in front of the parade, was exchanged by Pawtuxet Rangers. Seen here, leading off the exchange is Lt. Col. Phil Rowell who is hopeful of being named colonel next spring in a change in command. (Beacon photos by John Howell and Felictas Stuebing)

YOU COULDN'T MISS HIM: Standing tall, this Shriner clown brought smiles in his colorful outfit.

FAMILIAR MILKMAN: Chip Allstrom was behind the wheel of the Munroe Dairy 1958 dairy truck as he followed other Munroe employees who were warmly greeted by spectators, especially their mascot cow who traded high fives with kids and adults.

HE NEEDED NO INTRODUCTION: Father Robert Marciano, president of Bishop Hendricken High School and Pastor Of St. Kevin Church led members of the school band. Fr. Marciano also serves as chaplain to the Warwick Police and Fire Departments.

FRIENDLY WAVE: As members of Gaspee Boy Scout Troop stepped out in front carrying flags and the troop banner they were followed by leaders with an ample supply of water who shared their enthusiasm for the occasion.

YOU KNEW THEY WERE COMING: Members of Ye Olde Lebanon Towne Militia used a pause in the line of march to fire their muskets. There were plenty of pauses, too. The parade lasted three hours before the Hummers in their colorful outfits and lively march closed the show

LIVENING IT UP: The Party Band had spectators joining in song and clapping as they offered a switch from fife and drums and musket fire.

BOOKING ON LOTS OF ATTENTION: Warwick Public Library Director Aaron Coutu backed by staff members and three dogs on leases stepped out to focus a spotlight on libraries.

patriotic balloons: Warwick North players along with balloons made their presence know at the Gaspee Day Parade.

ON HIS HOME TURF: Warwick/Cranston Rep. Joseph McNamara accompanied Gov. Dan McKee as state officers followed the Pawtuxet Rangers in the parade lead.

Posted Thursday, June 13, 2024 12:00 am

Jerry Peshka, President , Gaspee Days Committee

The 2023/2024 Gaspee Days celebration was a great success.

We have grown and modified several events and plan to extend those changes. We started with growing the Proclamation ceremony by adding music and food to make a full afternoon of the event. The Block Party and the interfaith service were both moved to new days and the service was modified to include more music. Both were well received. We were blessed with good weather and a great turnout for most of the Memorial Day weekend Arts and Crafts Festival.

Unfortunately, the rain on Sunday forced us to cancel Sunday in the park and the burning of the Gaspee. The parade was the biggest in both size and attendance. Our road race grew to a size we never expected. We normally have around 1,600 runners and this year 2,000 signed up and 1,800 plus actually ran. The best part for me is that we had new people join the committee and help the committee move into the next generation.

I look forward to watching these people take more leadership roles and continue the tradition of entertaining and educating people about the first act of the colonists to secure our freedoms.