After a long, snowy winter and rainy spring, many of us are looking forward to outdoor activities this summer. More than 100 family-friendly, affordable events planned throughout Warwick - a seaside community just an hour's south of Boston via Rte. 95 - are sure to help make your summer a memorable one.
The Apponaug Area Improvement Association is sponsoring concerts throughout the summer. Set for June 16, July 14 and 28 and August 11 and 25 on the steps of City Hall (3275 Post Rd.), the series offers something for just about every musical taste. At the Warwick Museum, just two doors down from City Hall, the music of bygone eras is being celebrated with a two-month exhibit of mementos from the Warwick Musical Theater. "The Tent-Life in the Round" an Emmy-nominated film by Larry Bonoff, son of the theater's late owners, will be shown at the museum free of charge on Tuesdays through Saturdays in June and July at 1:30 p.m. The opening reception will be held on Friday, June 24 from 7-9 pm. All are invited to attend and enjoy memories from a theater that was favorite local summertime destination for more than 50 years (http://www.bonoff.net/history.htm. )
Across the city, the classic car show, an annual favorite held on Tuesday nights at the Oakland Beach seawall, has begun and runs through the end of September. Classic cars, "oldies" music, good food and spectacular views all combine to make for an enjoyable evening, one that also benefits local charitable causes.
The Clouds Hill Victorian Museum, on Post Rd. in Cowesett, also has events planned, including a "Gardens In Bloom" on June 26 and a Picnic Tea on July 24. Be sure to plan a visit to this charming house and its beautiful grounds.
Our fireworks displays always draw thousands of people to the Oakland Beach seawall. This year, the Department of Tourism, Culture and Development will sponsor the Independence Day show on July 1 at dusk. On August 2, the annual National Night Out festivities will culminate with fireworks as well.
The Warwick Library will hold "The Music of the Beatles" on Thursdays at 7 p.m. The first session will be held on June 23, with songs from "Please, Please Me," "With the Beatles," "A Hard Day's Night," and "Beatles for Sale." Librarian Wil Gregersen will lead the sessions, which will include an introduction, 30 minutes of music and a discussion.
A number of our village and neighborhood associations are also holding events that will be open to the general public, including a "picnic at the point" on August 27 at Conimicut Park, and a carnival at Oakland Beach sponsored by the Oakland Beach Carousel Foundation.
Finally, our beaches, marinas, parks, playgrounds, golf courses, rinks and pools offer wonderful opportunities for relaxation and exercise. Our hotels offer a number of seasonal packages, at affordable prices, for those who would like to visit and stay in Warwick and take day-trips to other parts of the Ocean State.
To learn more about any of these events, log onto www.visitwarwickri.com or call our Department of Tourism, Culture and Development at 738-2000, ext. 6202 or 6404.
Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.