WaterFire Returns To Providence With First Full Season Since Pandemic

Providence RI

28 April, 2022

1:05 PM

Description

PROVIDENCE, RI — Many of the basins along the Providence River were ignited Wednesday night, celebrating the beginning of WaterFire season. "WaterFire was first set alight to turn around the fortunes of Providence," said Barnaby Evans, the executive artistic director for WaterFire. "Against all expectations, we hoped to make Providence a national destination. We wanted to celebrate our community for its rich history, its leadership in ideas and innovation, and its tapestry of preserved buildings. Now 25 years later, people have made the City a destination, and they love all that they find here." The lighting marked the first time since 2019 the annual river lighting will have a full season, as the coronavirus pandemic season canceled the 2020 season. In 2021, the season was abbreviated, not starting until September. Wednesday night was a partial lighting of the river. The first full lighting is scheduled for June 4. "WaterFire is an opportunity to come and enjoy a historic city reborn, to see an urban center in new light, and to celebrate the balance of the old and the new mixed with the romance of firelight," Evans said. "It has all been made possible by the love, help, and donations of thousands of enthusiastic friends and supporters who have helped us realize their dreams." From April to December, viewers can expect the return of the #Art4Impact series. It highlights community milestones and themes. This year's themes include arts and science, community heroes, and arts and health. Popular WaterFire events will also return, including the WaterFire Holiday Celebration, the 10th Annual WaterFire Salute to Veterans and the celebration of the state's Black, indigenous, and people of color communities. See the full WaterFire schedule below: Wednesday, April 27 Partial Lighting, Waterplace ParkFriday, May 13 Partial lighting, 12 stationary braziers in front of Memorial ParkSaturday, June 4 Full LightingFriday, June 10 Partial Lighting, Waterplace ParkSaturday, June 25 Full LightingSaturday, July 30 Full LightingSaturday, August 13 Full LightingSaturday, August 27 Full LightingSaturday, September 3 (Labor Day Weekend) Partial Lighting, Waterplace ParkSaturday, September 24 Full LightingSaturday, November 5 Full LightingSaturday, December 3 Partial Lighting, Waterplace Park