RHODY LIFE

Music, arts taking center stage at Gaspee Days Fall Festival

Posted 9/8/21

By ROB DUGUAY As the end of summer gets closer and closer, the festivities start to settle down. It becomes too cold to go to the beach, elements such as rain, wind, snow or a combination of the three can ruin an afternoon hike, and outdoor activities as

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RHODY LIFE

Music, arts taking center stage at Gaspee Days Fall Festival

Posted

As the end of summer gets closer and closer, the festivities start to settle down. It becomes too cold to go to the beach, elements such as rain, wind, snow or a combination of the three can ruin an afternoon hike, and outdoor activities as a whole become a lot more scarce.

At this time of year, as the seasons transition, September becomes a prime month to get some outdoor fun in before the weather makes it impossible. One way to get this kind of enjoyment is by checking out the upcoming Gaspee Days Fall Festival at Pawtuxet Park. The event will feature live music, art vendors and some pleasant sight-seeing from Sept. 11-12.

What makes this festival interesting is the combination of two events into one. There’s the Arts & Crafts Festival, delayed from its typical spring schedule, happening on Narragansett Parkway on both days from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. And then there’s the Block Party taking place in the park on Saturday from 6 to 11 p.m.

After a year off because of COVID-19, it’s a welcome return of a party that everyone in the area looks forward to.

“The Gaspee Days Committee is thrilled to be able to have the annual Arts & Crafts Festival and Block Party for the first time since May 2019,” says Steven Miller, who is the Gaspee Days Committee president. “We look forward to seeing everybody there.”

“Besides the quality of our vendors, it is wonderful to see people who have become friends over the years returning,” adds Tina Bingham, who is the Arts & Crafts Festival chairperson. “I look forward to seeing what items our new vendors have to offer, especially with people being so isolated in the last year and really having time to let their creativity shine.”

There’s going to be live music during both the Arts & Crafts Festival and the Block Party, with Salter’s Groove doing double duty. They’re a local cover band with a wide array of tunes that they can’t wait to perform.

“We are really looking forward to the festival,” says guitarist & vocalist Sean P. Rogan. “We are playing on Saturday night during the Block Party from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and also during the Arts & Crafts Festival during the day from 1 to 4 p.m. Lots of Salter’s Groove that day.”

Another act that’ll be performing at the Block Party will be the legendary Neal & The Vipers, who’ll be playing from 8 to 11 p.m. They’re very much looking forward to being part of it again after a year off because of the pandemic.

“Myself and The Vipers are looking forward to returning to the Gaspee Days Block Party after missing out last year,” says guitarist and vocalist Neal Vitullo. “It has always been a well-run outdoor fundraiser event and I am sure that the organizers will have everyone’s best interest covered.”

Sundance, a group that performs covers of songs by acts such as Journey, Cheap Trick, Eurythmics, The Pretenders and Bonnie Raitt, will be performing on the second day of the Arts & Crafts Festival from 1 to 4 p.m.

Vendors for the festival include American Pewter, Odetta’s, Eden Designs, Old Tyme Toys, M & D Fine Jewelry, Rhode Island Glassworks, Dreaming Light Creations and many others.

The whole festival is free and it’s all ages, so bring the whole family and perhaps a few friends. It’s one of the last great summer events before the leaves change color.

For more information, visit www.gaspee.com.

Gaspee, arts, crafts

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