Recently, my brother dropped in for a weekend visit, and like me, he's always ready to hop in the car and check out the sights. So, I suggested we hit up WaterFire.
According to their website, WaterFire is an "award-winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence". However, what it really is is a friggin' awesome festival where they set a bunch of bonfires in the middle of the city.
Along the banks of the rivers, you'll find lots of street performers, including human "statues" that move when you drop a donation in their basket, musicians, break dancers, jewelry makers, food truck vendors, and LOTS OF PEOPLE! Imaging the warm glow of a campfire, then magnify it by 100. Part of the fun is watching the staff light the bonfires with torches, as they're rowed along in gondolas. It's very theatric! It started off as a short term installation, but the popularity of it grew, and now they light the fires several times from spring to fall.
This time, we went during the Summer Solstice. Luckily, in addition to the usual WaterFire festivities, the city of Providence also had a Summer Solstice celebration in the area just adjacent to the river. That featured several musical performances, and lots of dancing. The energy was electric, and everyone was really having a great time. Where the musical vibe at the river was a little "new age", a big band was rocking a block away. A block away from there, in a city park, there was another smaller stage, where we were lucky to catch the last few songs by local band, Boo City, who had a cool funky, jazzy reggae thing goin' on!
It was pretty incredible, and I STRONGLY recommend checking out WaterFire if you ever find yourself in the area. It's HOT in more ways than one!
Check out some pics of our trip here!
Where: Downtown Providence, RI
How: Take commuter rail from South Station - Boston or Drive I-95 South to Exit 22 Downtown Providence
Why: Um, it's awesome!
