The Destination is Woonsocket: Why Live Anywhere Else?

Woonsocket's 'Rotary Days' coming in May
By SANDY SEOANE, Valley Breeze Staff Writer
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On Thursday, May 14 Ciro's co-owner Matt Moylan will put on "Thursday Night Live!" at Depot Square, a celebration of city night life including everything from live music and street performers to choir acts. The free event will be the first of three for which Moylan is serving as chairperson, with two additional sections of Main Street, Woonsocket to be highlighted during Rotary Days culminating weekend.

Two Rotary Day events will take place in the city's downtown on Friday, May 15. From 4:30 to 9 p.m., the Woonsocket Prevention Coalition will sponsor a multicultural, multigenerational event at River Island, featuring belly dancers, break dancers, salsa dancers along with many different types of acts and entertainment.

Up the road in Market Square "Thundermist Lights" will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. Woonsocket Falls will be illuminated and a series of high-powered multicolored spotlights will be aimed toward the sky. The surrounding area will be filled with artistry, foods, cocktail stations and light music.

"What we wanted to do was create a night of relaxation," Moylan said.

Five events will take place on Saturday, May 16, at varying times and locations throughout the day.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the city's new Armed Forces Park will be home to "Salute to Veterans," an USO-type show featuring great bands, dancers and singers; restored military vehicles; uniforms and artifacts. Entertainment will be provided by the New Providence Big Band, and 19 piece act headed up by General Reginold Centracchio, former adjutant general of the state; and Company B, a tribute to the Andrews Sisters, among others.

Richard Schatz, president of the United Veterans Council of Woonsocket, is chairperson of the event.

At the nearby Rivers Edge Recreational Complex, Mike Reynolds of R.I. Athletic Club will run the Rotary Days "Wicked Woonsocket Challenge" from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., an obstacle course including walls, rope swings a bear crawl and other obstacles. Advance registration is required and a $15 entry fee includes participation in group classes throughout the day.

From 1 to 2 p.m., Harris Public Library, in coordination with Books are Wings, will offer free books for children, snacks, story-telling and more.

Just next door at the Grow Up Community Garden from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m, an event dubbed "Rotary Day in the Garden" will include demonstrations and displays on planting with participation by local environmental groups.

On the same day at River Island Park, the Blackstone Valley Independent Business Alliance will hold a "Makers Fair and Festival" with booths by small home-based companies, crafts and food vendors. engaging small businesses.

On May 17, closing day of the celebration will commence on Main Street with "Cars, Bikes, Blues and Bar-B-Q from 12 to 6 p.m. in the municipal lot by the Woonsocket Call building. The event will kick off with a charity bike run starting around 10 p.m. and from noon to 6 p.m., guests will be treated to a display of classic cars, motorcycles and live music.

It's all part of the Woonsocket Rotary's plan to "light up" the city as part of the larger club's mission to engage the community.

Dubois and his small army of volunteers say the event will be annual, far better than what international club organizers had asked for when they suggested he host a "Rotary Day."