WaterFire is 25 years old! A special mini-lighting kicked off the season last night with Gov. Dan McKee in attendance, also Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza, and other state officials as the 25th season was announced. The first lighting is scheduled for Labor Day Weekend, and we can expect four full lightings and five partial ones. The celebrations go all the way through to December 4th.
After last year's WaterFire season was cancelled due to the pandemic, the city of Providence and the state provided $600,000 in COVID-19 relief money to help present the iconic event in 2021.
McKee said, "We know this is an iconic tourist attraction in our city, but it is also an economic driver that draw people to downtown providence to enjoy our local businesses."
The state also hopes to make COVID-19 vaccinations available at WaterFire lightings this Fall.
Here's the 2021 WaterFire schedule:
Saturday, Sept. 4 (Labor Day Weekend) - Full lighting:
Thanking COVID heroes, including essential workers.
Thursday, Sept. 9 - Partial lighting
Supported by Pannone Lopes Devereaux & O'Gara LLC. Celebrating their 15th anniversary.
Saturday, Sept. 18 - Partial lighting
Celebrating Educational Excellence in RI with RI Department of Education.
Friday, Sept. 24 - Partial lighting
Supported by University of Rhode Island, URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement.
Saturday, Oct. 2 - Full lighting
"Then. Now. Next: 50 Years of Women at Providence College." Supported by Providence College.
Saturday, Oct. 16 - Full lighting
Supported by BIPOC Arts, Technology and Business and Brown University.
Wednesday, Oct. 27 - Partial lighting
WaterFire's 25th Birthday Celebration! Supported by the RI Manufacturers Association.
Saturday, Nov. 6 - Full lighting
9th Annual WaterFire Salute to Veterans.
Saturday, Dec. 4 - Partial lighting
WaterFire Celebrates the Holidays.
Find out more HERE!
Photo Credit: Kristin Lessard