Top Picks for Your Summer Weekend
WEEKEND by Avery Stone, GoLocalProv Correspondent
Top Picks for Your Summer Weekend
There is so much incredible stuff going on all over RI this weekend, we've rounded up a record-breaking eight top picks. Whether it's watching rainbow balloons float over South County or digging into quahogs in Warren, it's a great summer weekend for everybody.
FAMILY Top Pick
South County Hot Air Balloon Festival
Bring your whole family to South County for a variety of fun activities for all ages! Balloon Glow and concert Friday night; hot air balloon rides, crafts, food, artists, entertainment, car shows, catch and release fishing, Revolutionary War encampment, and a carnival. Talk about something for everyone. Friday 4-10pm, Saturday 6am-10pm, Sunday 6am-6pm, free, athletic fields at the University of Rhode Island, Route 138. Visit the South County Hot Air Balloon Festival or call 783-1770 for more information.
SPORTING Top Pick
6th Annual Block Island Volunteer Fire Dept Fishing Tournament
If you love fishing, hop on the ferry and head to Block Island, where all are welcome to vie for generous prizes donated by national and local businesses. With the entry fee, receive a tournament shirt and all-you-can-eat cookout at the Firebarn. 6pm Friday to 12pm Sunday, $40, Register at Twin Maples, Beach Avenue, or Block Island Fishworks, Ocean Avenue, call 466-2211 or visit the Block Island Fishworks Web site for more information.
KIDS Top Pick
Reptiles of New England
Here is your chance to learn about the species of reptiles that live in your backyard. Participants will meet cold-blooded neighbors up close, create a stenciled craft, and then tour the museum with its original stenciling. Refreshments will be served. Registration required. Smith-Appleby House Museum, 220 Stillwater Rd, Smithfield, 2-4pm, adult members $8, child members $4, adult non-members $12, child non-members $6, call 949-5454 x3041 or visit the Smith-Applebee House Museum Web site for more information.
HISTORY Top Pick
RiverWalk: Before the Fires are Lit
Discover the winding history and continued importance of Providence's rivers! Urban outdoor sculpture and beautiful buildings of varied architectural styles provide the setting for stories of Providence's fabled past and dynamic present. This walk outlines the history of Rhode Island's capital city and the history of WaterFire. John Brown House Museum, 52 Power Street, Providence, 5:30-6:30pm, $10, reservations requested, call 331-8575 x45 or visit the Rhode Island Historical Society Web site for more information.
SATURDAY-SUNDAY
FOOD Top Pick
Warren Quahog Festival
Since 1984, they've been celebrating the clam with chowders, stuffed quahogs, clam cakes, fried scallops, calamari,
CULTURE Top Pick
Rhode Island Indian Council Annual Powwow
Come see first-hand the rich Native American culture that exists right here in the 401. Existing for more than 30 years, this annual powwow is steeped in tradition: festivities include native drumming and singing, dancing, arts and crafts, and storytelling. Don’t miss the first grand dancing entry at noon! Between the Temple and the Carousel, Roger Williams Park, Providence, 10am–6pm, free, call 941-3494 or visit the Web site for more information.
GREAT CAUSE Top Pick
Fundraiser for Gulf Coast Wildlife Refuges
Think there’s nothing you can do to help the victims of the BP oil spill all the way up here in Rhode Island? This weekend, you get your chance! Sponsored by the Friends of the National Wildlife Refuges of Rhode Island, this fundraiser includes sales of photography and art, music, food, dancing, and guided nature walks - and all the proceeds benefit conservation and cleanup efforts in the wildlife refuges surrounding the gulf of Mexico. Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge, Middletown, both days 12-6pm, $10 adults and $20 families requested donation, for more information call Kelly at 595-6125 or Sarah Lang, volunteer coordinator at the Rhode Island refuges, at 847-5511.
MUSIC Top Pick
SoundSession’10 Music Festival
Be a part of one of New England's premier summer music festivals on its kick-off today. A multi-stage, genre-defying event, the festival is produced by the Providence Black Repertory Company in collaboration with the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture & Tourism. Today's events include the annual "Down By The River" prayer session at 7am, a Gospel Brunch at 1:30pm, and Salsa session at 7pm. For details and a complete calendar of festival events, go here.