Providence, Rhode Island is a fascinating little city. Capital of the smallest state in the country, Providence proudly boasts the assets of its location and invites any and all visitors to come and bask in its charm. Among the many attractions of the city, WaterFire stands uniquely above the rest. Set in the heart of the downtown area, WaterFire has become a mainstay of the community and attracts over one million visitors a year.
What is WaterFire?
It all began in 1994, when Barnaby Evans was commissioned by the city to create a piece of artwork to celebrate the tenth anniversary of "First Night," the city's New Years Eve event. He created WaterFire, a "living" piece of artwork that was so impressive that it was kept and expanded, quickly becoming a mark and celebration of the city of Providence itself. WaterFire is both the name of Evans' artwork and the name of the events that celebrate it. The piece of work is a collection of pipes and 100 torches that run through the river in the downtown area of the city. On WaterFire evenings, the torches are lit, creating small bonfires just above the surface of the water that captivate the eye. The effect is more than just the enchanting visual of fire on water; it is an entire atmosphere of mystery, tranquillity, wonder and romance.
Throughout the year, WaterFire evenings and events are held primarily on Saturdays, with the most popular events occurring between the months of May and October. On these evenings, downtown Providence comes alive; baroque and classical music is played through the streets, gondolas coast along the canals, and tens of thousands of people gather to watch, listen, and enjoy. Often, sponsors of the event will host street tents with activities or entertainment, and local restaurants and bars buzz with an excited community atmosphere. Couples, families and visitors of all ages are welcome to come and take in the beauty of the evening and the city.
Behind the Scenes
The organization that now runs WaterFire is a non-profit, independent arts organization and is comprised of hundreds of volunteers. These volunteers are devoted to keeping the events running each season and the spirit of the artwork alive in the city. WaterFire has been an instrumental part of the revitalization of downtown Providence over the last two decades, much in thanks to the non-profit behind it. In addition to sponsorships, private donations are accepted and encouraged to keep the organization and WaterFire events running.
Maureen Rousseau - Maureen Rousseau is a New England native currently living in London, UK. She earned a BA in English from Providence College and has ...
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