Mayor's message: Summer is officially here!

There can be no better time for outdoor activities than our summer months, and there can be no better place to enjoy them than right here, in Providence. Our capital city is fast gaining an international reputation for its extraordinary quality of life. From the New York Times, which hails us as the "Mecca for Tourism and the Arts," to Travel and Leisure magazine, which has awarded us its annual Top Arts and Culture award for the past several years, to Yahoo's 2010 Top Underrated Cities, we are a great destination. And once you're here, we are pretty sure we can convince you why it makes sense to stay. One of the key location decisions for any business owner is what the community's quality of life is. In my administration, it is of paramount importance. When I assumed office seven years ago, one of my first priorities was to bring the arts to the neighborhoods, so everyone - regardless of means - had equal access. We also worked to ensure a vibrant downtown nightlife that respected the people and businesses who lived and worked there, understanding that the arts and entertainment had as much of an economic impact as a social one. And we built a strong system of neighborhood parks - alive with free music, high-quality performances and year-round programming. To sample what we have to offer, I encourage you to visit Providence at www.providencethecreativecapital.com to or www.providenceri.com for details. For instance, we've created - in partnership with the Black Repertory Theatre - a one of a kind July SoundSession. Fashioned after the Mardi Gras of New Orleans, entertainers, musicians and performers of all genres take to stages throughout the city to perform. It is a week of global music, fun and festivity growing in popularity and acclaim every year. With Kennedy Plaza a popular destination, visitors can browse the Market Bazaar, catch the Providence Roller Derby on a practice run, listen to live jazz or just people watch. This synergy is helping to fuel our economy and strengthen Providence's position as an exciting arts and cultural destination. On Lucky Lunch Monday - from 11 am - 2 pm, stop by one of the Greater Kennedy Plaza lunch stands and get a great deal. And then there's all of this: Kidinfo: Storytelling for Children - Tuesdays 10 am - 11 am. Families can bring a blanket and enjoy different storytellers every week near the fountain in Burnside Park. It will feature at least one book by a Rhode Island author or illustrator Public Sq. Day -every 2nd Tuesday 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Local groups share their agencies' missions in an interactive approach. Monthly Market Bazaar - 1st Tuesday of the month, 11 am - 5 pm. Vendors with eclectic foods, books and products. Providence Roller Derby Practice - Tuesdays and Wednesdays 7 pm. At the Bank of America City Center. Noon Tunes - Wednesdays 12 noon - 1 pm. Free, live performances with every genre from West African highlife and jazz fusion to Celtic and classical music. Fun & Fit Thursdays - Thursdays 12:15 pm - 1 pm. Free yoga classes at Burnside Park, for all levels. Fountain of Youth Skateboarding Night - every 3rd Thursday, at the Bank of America City Center. Farmers Market Fridays - 11 am - 2pm. Farm Fresh Rhode Island features tasty harvests from local farmers. Our Parks & Recreation Department also has a new summer program to give Providence children ages 9- 12 years of age, (and some as young as 7 years old) a chance to sail Narragansett Bay, tee off at Buttonhole Golf Course, play soccer or learn baseball. The Summer Sports Camp runs from June 21st to August 23rd, in several city locations. Call Mike Stephens or Sheri Mangili at 421-7740 ext. 323 for information. I am also pleased to join WBRU-95.5 in sponsoring our free Friday night concerts at Waterplace Park. They began in mid-June and will be running through August 6 . We also offer city children 18 years and younger, a City Summer Food Service Program summer food begins July 6th and runs through August 20th. Breakfast and lunch will be available to children, at 39 different sites, and information is available at 785-9450. Be safe and have a wonderful and memorable summer. David Cicilline is the mayor of Providence.