Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrates the past, present and future

The town of Pawtucket is buzzing with so much activity going on; completion of the $47 million Pawtucket-Central Falls Transit Center, $44 million Dexter St. Commons development, construction of a new public safety center, continued construction at Tidewater Landing that will transform Pawtucket’s waterfront and a new, coeducational high school that will roll before voters in November.

That being said, these developments aren’t all that makes Pawtucket such a great community to live and work in.

Now in its 24^e year, the Arts Festival started from September 9 to 18. After COVID-19 affected our last annual festivals, we are extremely excited to see the full return of the Pawtucket Arts Festival to shine a light on all the incredible arts represented in our community.

The Pawtucket Arts Festival celebrates the creative and cultural life of the town by presenting vibrant arts events to Pawtucket residents and visitors to the Blackstone River Valley over 10 days, including dance, music, theatre, cinema, traditional visual and folk arts that evoke the history of the city. heritage and diverse communities.

The festival is highlighted by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra performing its legendary free concert “Pops in the Park” at Slater Memorial Park on September 17.^e. Presented by the Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance, the 2022 concert marks the 20^e performance of the philharmonie since its debut at the festival in 2003.

The Saturday evening performance will be followed by a spectacular fireworks display presented by the Bristol County Savings Bank at dusk and preceded by a commemoration of the 45^e anniversary of the historic Pawtucket Beach Boys concert which drew over 40,000 people in 1977.

The Philharmonic performance and more will take place at the Slater Park Fall Festival presented by its new sponsor Coastal Credit Union. The Fall Festival is a celebration of art and culture on the grounds of historic Slater Memorial Park. The festival’s open-air market, which opens at 11 a.m., showcases more than 100 artisans, artisans and creators of original handicrafts. The surrounding areas are packed with fun, food and entertainment for the whole family, including face painting, crafts and fun for the kids, including Family Fun Day presented by Collette Travel, which offers activities , completely free rides and games and a brand-new event, “pizza-palooza!” where area pizzerias compete for the best Pawtucket Pie! The festival will end with The Pawtucket Times “best of” award ceremony.

September 16^e will feature exciting events throughout the city, including interactive crafts, exhibits and live performances showcasing not only New England’s incredible artistry, but also the many beautiful locations in the Blackstone Valley.

All events are listed on our website at www.PawtucketArtsFestival.org. The 2022 Pawtucket Arts Festival is presented by the City of Pawtucket, the Pawtucket Teachers’ Alliance, Coastal Credit Union and The Pawtucket Times.

Donald Grebien is the mayor of the town of Pawtucket, RI