All Pawtucket All The Time

Residents and visitors to Rhode Island’s Blackstone River Valley can enjoy casual local happenings over the Victory Day holiday period, August 7-10, with celebrating local heritage and culture, while pausing to remember those who served in our military during the Second World War. 

Annual town festival

Summertime is not complete without the 2009 Cumberland Fest, Cumberland, RI’s annual seasonal celebration happening Friday-Monday, August 7-10, inside Diamond Hill Park, located on diamond Hill Road (Route 114) 

Enjoy great family fun with a weekend filled with amusements, games, food court and live entertainment on stage from local acts. 

Situated on what used to be the town’s only ski resort, Diamond Hill Park is named for its mile-long face of veined granite quartz. The park offers views from the summit presenting miles of crisp blue sky overlooking a breathtaking backdrop of thick forest and other earthen jewel tones. 

For more about Cumberland Fest call the Parks & Recreation Office at 401-334-9996 or go to the town’s website at www.cumberlandri.org 

Antiques and collectibles

Today the hobby of antiques has become a nostalgic pastime. Over the weekend one historic site offers a special event and tours of its location.

Sunday, August 9, 10 am-4 pm, Hearthside House, located on the Great Road Historic District, Lincoln, RI, presents an Antique Fair on the site’s grounds.

Over 50 area antique dealers will showcase their wares and collectibles. Also, the historic mansion will be open for interpretive tours, along with the nearby Hanaway Blacksmith Shop presenting live blacksmithing demonstrations. 

There is a $5 admission per person for the event. Call for information at 401-726-5097 or go online to www.hearthsidehouse.org 

Remembering our war heroes

Monday, August 10, Rhode Island is the only state to commemorate Victory Day, when World War II hostilities between the US and Japan ended. 

To remember those of the “greatest generation” who proudly served or who gave their lives for freedom, take time to pause and reflect at two Armory Sites located in the Blackstone River Valley that served the needs of local troops during World War II. 

The former Pawtucket Armory, at 172 Exchange Street, Pawtucket, RI, is now a major regional arts & entertainment venue, being home to the Sandra Feinstein Gamm Theatre.  The building was originally constructed 1894-1895. 

The old Woonsocket Armory, at the corner of South Main Street and Providence Street, Woonsocket, RI was built in 1912. In addition to serving the needs of National Guard troops during World War II, the facility was the center for many community events. Today, it serves residents as a local parish center.

For the historical particulars of these sites, it is suggested that the State Survey publications prepared by the RI Historical Preservation and Heritage Commission be consulted. This state agency has publications for each of Rhode Island’s 39 communities highlighting buildings and neighborhoods. These publications can be viewed at area libraries or be downloaded in pdf format at www.rihphc.state.ri.us Call for additional information at 401-222-2678.