Waterfire: The Summer Festival in Providence, Rhode Island

Summer celebrations are common throughout the US - festivals heralding the start, duration or end of the season pepper cities around the country from Chicago to Idaho to Oklahoma. One great example of such summer festivity comes from Providence, Rhode Island, where for over a decade now, people have traveled from wide and far to come see an unusual and spectacular event happen every Saturday summer night - Waterfire.

Waterfire is a summer-long festival series held every year (since its inception in 1994) in the city of Providence, Rhode Island. It originally began as an art installation piece by artist Barnaby Evans, but became so popular among townsfolk and tourists alike that a grassroots movement emerged to make Waterfire a regular, seasonal event. Today, Waterfire is a non-profit arts organization, and thanks to the sponsorship of many local businesses and schools, this breathtaking event continues to grace the streets and rivers of Providence every summer.

Waterfire feels different every night. Some nights, it feels as if you're walking through Renaissance Italy, with rose peddlers offering their blooms to couples walking past, and operatic performances being mournfully sung from beneath the over-river bridge as fire catchers throw lit batons skillfully into the cool air. Other nights, it feels more festive and celebratory, with jazz musicians taking over alleyways and plazas to perform upbeat songs and free ballroom dance classes are given along the streets. Vendors selling everything from kettle corn to hot dogs to lemonade come out and set up shop, keeping festival-goers well-fed. But Waterfire's signature, its main focal point, is the river.

All along the Woonasquatucket and Moshassuck Rivers, volunteers and participants in the art piece light what seems like hundreds of bonfires, crackling, sparking and aromatically wood-smoky, floating on buoys up and down the waters. The effect is nothing short of magical - the bright orange flames licking the river surfaces reflect off the water, and mirror the lights of the metropolis's buildings and streets above. Boat rides are offered to the public up and down the river, the perfect romantic escape on a gondola.

Waterfire is certainly a worthy stopover for summer travelers in the area looking for an uncommon and spectacular sight. It holds appeal for all groups and ages - college students, couples looking for a romantic evening (for nervous boyfriends - this makes a great first, or any, date!), families looking for something to see, or people who want to learn to dance. Although Providence can get a little chilly even during summer nights (bringing a light jacket is a good idea), the fires, hubbub and cheery atmosphere will help keep you warm. And there's sure to be someone selling hot chocolate or cider!

Schedule for Waterfire festivals in 2007 (information taken from the official Waterfire website, www.waterfire.org):

Saturday, May 26th
Sunset: 8:09
Ballroom dancing: Foxtrot and Waltz

Friday, June 1st
Sunset: 8:14
Jazz: The Steven Chaplin Quartet

Saturday, June 23rd
Sunset: 8:25
Ballroom dancing: Tango
Jazz: David Maxwell

Saturday, July 14th
Sunset: 8:20
Ballroom dancing: Swing
Jazz: Kelly Lennon

Saturday, July 28th
Sunset: 8:09
Jazz: Myanna

Saturday, August 18th
Sunset: 7:42
Ballroom dancing: Salsa
Jazz: saxophonist Greg Abate

Saturday, September 1st
Sunset: 7:20
Jazz: Emiliano

Saturday, September 15th
Sunset: 6:56

Saturday, September 29th
Sunset: 6:31

Saturday, October 6th
Sunset: 6:19

Saturday, October 27th
Sunset: 5:47

Ballroom music and dancing events are held in the Sovereign Plaza Ballroom, at the intersection of Westminster and Weybosset Streets (8pm-12am).

Jazz events are located in the open air, on Steeple Street between North Main Street and Canal Street.

Music, dancing and performative events are all free and open to the public, but food, drink, flowers and boat rides need to be purchased.

For more, visit the official Waterfire website (www.waterfire.org) or call the WaterFire information line: (401) 272-3111.