FAIRS AND FESTIVALS > RHODE ISLAND

JUNE 16 ù RHODE ISLAND PRIDEFEST
Burnside Park, Providence, RI (map)
401.467.2130
info@prideri.com
http://www.prideri.com

New England's only nighttime Pride Parade, beginning at the corner of Fountain and Dorrance Sts at 8:30 pm. Opening ceremonies at noon at Burnside Park, featuring live entertainment from local and national acts, arts and crafts, KidÆs Pride Zone, GLBT Marketplace, food court, and a beer-and-wine garden.

JUNE 22, 23, AND 24 ù NEWPORT FLOWER SHOW
Rosecliff, 548 Bellevue Ave, Newport, RI (map)
401.847.1000 ext 150
events@newportmansions.com
http://www.newportflowershow.org

The reception rooms and oceanfront lawn of the 1902 mansion are filled with floral displays and horticultural wonders for this year's "Sea Fever. . . A Salute to the Tall Ships" themed show. There are also gardening lectures and demonstrations. Open on Fri from noon to 5 pm, and on Sat and Sun from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets $15 in advance, $18 day of the show, $6 for children six to 17. Special events available at an additional cost.

JUNE 23 AND 24 ù NARRAGANSETT ART FESTIVAL
Towers overlooking Narragansett Beach, Narragansett, RI (map)
401.789.7713
http://www.wakefieldrotary.com

Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wakefield, this festival features more than 100 fine-art exhibitors, mostly from New England. Displays include oils, acrylics, drawings, graphics, sculpture, photography, watercolors, and pastels. Proceeds from artist-registration fees benefit the Rotary Club scholarship program. Open from 9 am to 5 pm. Free.

JULY 3 AND 4 ù BLOCK ISLAND FIREWORKS, PARADE, AND STEAK FRY
Block Island, RI (map)
800.383.2474 or 401.466.2474
info@blockislandchamber.com
http://www.blockislandchamber.com

This year's Block Island fireworks will be held at 9 pm on Tues night at Crescent Beach. The next day, the "Your Favorite Children's Book" themed parade begins at Legion Park at 11 am and ends in town. Steak Fry begins at 1 pm at the Block Island Fire Department.

JULY 3 AND 4 ù BRISTOL FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS AND PARADE
Bristol, RI (map)
401.253.0445
paradechair@july4thbristolri.com
http://www.july4thbristolri.com

Fireworks at 9:45 pm on Tues, followed by AmericaÆs oldest Fourth of July parade on Wed.. They've been marching in Bristol since 1785. Nevertheless, visitors are encouraged to arrive before 8 am. The 222nd parade starts from the corner of Chestnut and Hope Streets (Rte 114) at 10:30 am. Free.

JULY 19 THROUGH 22 ù BLACK SHIPS FESTIVAL
Newport, RI (map)
401.846.2720
http://www.blackshipsfestival.com

Celebrating its 24th year, the festival features more than 50 events, workshops, and demonstrations of Japanese culture, including kite flying, sushi making, karate, origami, and Taiko drumming. Call or visit the Web site for detailed information on events and tickets.

JULY 20, 21, AND 22 ù EAST PROVIDENCE HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Pierce Stadium, East Providence, RI (map)
401.435.7511
eprecreation@cityofeastprov.com
http://www.eprecreation.com

Music, food, crafts, and classic cars. This year's performers include Survivor, Starship with Mickey Thomas, and Lou Gramm of Foreigner. The festival takes place on Fri from 6 to 11 pm, on Sat from 1 to 11 pm, and on Sun from 1 to 10 pm. Admission $7 on Fri, $15 on Sat, $10 on Sun.. Weekend passes available in advance for $25. Children 12 and under free.

JULY 21 AND 22 ù RHODE ISLAND INDIAN COUNCIL POWWOW
Roger Williams Park, 1100 Elmwood Ave, Providence, RI (map)
401.781.1098
info@rhodeislandindiancouncil.org
http://www.rhodeislandindiancouncil.org

Demonstrations of crafts, dancing, drumming, storytelling, and cooking. Open from 10 am to 6 pm. Dancing begins at noon. Free.

AUG 3 AND 4 ù 25TH ANNUAL WILTON BLUEBERRY FESTIVAL
Main Street, Wilton, ME (map)
207.778.4726
scsmith@beeline-online.net
http://www.route2.com/wbf.htm

Sidewalk arts and crafts, kidsÆ race, parade, boat parade, book sale, pancake breakfast, blueberry bazaar, barbecue, live family entertainment, boat tours of Wilson Lake, and a 10K race. Fireworks on Sat at 9 pm. No parking on Main St on Sat, but a free shuttle service is available from 7 am to 4 pm. Free.

AUG 3, 4, AND 5 ù CHARLESTOWN SEAFOOD FESTIVAL
Ninigret Park, Rte 1A, Charlestown, RI (map)
401.364.4031
heatherpaliotta@earthlink.net
http://www.charlestownrichamber.com

Feast on seafood, lobsters, steamers, chowder, fish and chips, clam cakes, corn, a raw bar, and even non-seafood delights. Attractions include music, arts and crafts, amusement rides, rock-wall climbing, children's shows, bungee jumping, and car shows. Open on Fri from noon to 10 pm, on Sat from 11 am to 10 pm, and on Sun from 11 am to 8 pm. Admission $7. Children 12 and under free.

AUG 15 THROUGH 19 ù WASHINGTON COUNTY FAIR
Washington County Fairgrounds, Rte 112, Richmond, RI (map)
401.782.8139 or 401.539.7042
http://www.washingtoncountyfair-ri.com

An agricultural fair featuring tractor pulls, stage shows, crafts, and livestock, plus games and childrenÆs contests. Adult events include arm-wrestling contests, "dung throwing," lawnmower racing, and "seed spitting." Ah, America. Live country concerts every night. Admission $9, free for children 10 and under. Check the Web site for schedule.

SEPT 1, 2, AND 3 ù NEWPORT WATERFRONT IRISH FESTIVAL
Newport Yachting Center, America's Cup Ave, Newport, RI (map)
401.846.1600
http://www.newportfestivals.com

A celebration of Irish culture, music, crafts, and . . . uh, cuisine. Open on Sat from 11 am to 9 pm, on Sun until 8 pm, and on Mon until 6 pm. Admission $15, $12 in advance, $12 for seniors and students, free for children under 12 accompanied by an adult.