TCD working to promote local summertime events

As the city of Warwick continues to clean up, rebuild, and recover from the flood, our Department of Tourism, Culture and Development (TCD) is working closely with a variety of groups to promote summertime events that are not only affordable and family-friendly but will also help to bolster the local economy and support our business community. The city will again sponsor three annual fireworks displays this summer - June 11, the eve of the Gaspee Days parade, at Salters Grove in Pawtuxet Village; July 3 for Independence Day at the Oakland Beach seawall; and August 3, during National Night Out, also at Oakland Beach. These spectacular shows draw tens of thousands of residents and visitors to enjoy Warwick's sights, sounds and local fare. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the Gaspee Days celebration, a two-month long series of events, including an arts and crafts festival, historic walking tour, colonial encampments, fireworks and annual parade, to commemorate the burning of the HMS Gaspee. This act of rebellion, in 1772, has become known as the "First Blow for Freedom" and precedes the Boston Tea Party and the battles of Lexington and Concord in our nation's fight for independence. Our Parks and Recreation Department has again partnered with TCD for the summer weekly concert series, which features a variety of entertainers at various venues throughout the city. Also, the Apponaug Area Improvement Association will begin their newly formed Summer Music Series once a month through the summer, along with the Chamber 2010 Music on the Hill concerts. An additional performance at St. Barnabas Church in Apponaug Village is among other offerings for music aficionados. This year, the Central Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce will host, in cooperation with the city, a Wine and Food festival on June 19 at the seawall at Oakland Beach. This popular shoreline neighborhood is also host to the classic car show, which is held every Tuesday evening through Labor Day and features vintage autos, oldies music and refreshments - all to benefit local charities. To complement ongoing advertising campaigns, TCD has joined Tripadvisor and created a new mobile website in conjunction with its new tourism website, both of which will be launched this month. In addition, TCD has created a new economic development campaign. The ads, which are to be featured in regional publications, at trade shows and elsewhere, tout Warwick's convenient location - accessible by air, auto, and, this fall, by rail - as well as our online database of commercial property available for sale or lease. For more information about events, commercial opportunities and how our staff can help your business succeed, visit www.movetowarwickri.com, www.visitwarwickri.com, call (401) 738-2000, ext. 6202, or sign up to follow the city on Facebook or Twitter. Scott Avedisian is the mayor of Warwick.