All Pawtucket All The Time

Suggested events for the Columbus Day Holiday Weekend

Friday-Monday, October 9-12, 2009

AUTUMN HOLIDAY WEEKEND FUN FOR EVERYONE CLOSE TO HOME IN HISTORIC BLACKSTONE RIVER VALLEY! 

Just as Christopher Columbus discovered America in 1492, venture in a “new world” of heritage, culture, nature and seasonal recreation by exploring Rhode Island’s Blackstone River Valley. 

Close to home in Southern New England, Blackstone River Valley is the region’s ideal fall “stay-cation” destination to experience autumn entertainment and family fun. 

Over the holiday weekend don’t miss out on the region’s premier fabulous non-stop fall festival, see a captivating collection of jack-o-lanterns and support a local community road race.

Woonsocket’s fall extravaganza!

Rhode Island’s northern-most city of Woonsocket, RI hosts the region’s ultimate fall celebration, with Autumnfest 2009, happening Saturday-Monday, October 10-12, inside World War II Park, Social Street. 

Admission is FREE to everyone, plus there’s FREE parking in the lots across from the park.

The festival, which had humble beginnings in 1978 as a morale booster for the city, has grown to be one of the largest and best autumn season festivals in Southern New England. And, this year is no exception.

Throughout the three days enjoy live non-stop local and regional entertainment; bands and dancers performing live on stage. Enjoy the food court; see a consumer showcase of area merchants, along with amusement rides and children’s activities. There is also a gigantic fireworks display.

This year’s headline act on stage is Chuck Negron, former lead singer for the late 1960’s-early 1970’s rock band Three Dog Night, known for such top 40 hits including “Joy to the World,” “Black and White,” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come.”

And, on Columbus Day itself, October 12, from 9 am-12 noon, capture the exciting and colorful 10-division Autumnfest parade, complete with dignitaries, bands and floats.

For a complete rundown of Autumnfest happenings contact Woonsocket City Hall at 401-762-6400 or go on the web at www.autumnfest.org

Autumnal gourds on display

The City of Pawtucket, RI hosts their annual Haunted Tunnel & Pumpkins in the Park event running Friday and Saturday nights from October 9-October 24 at Slater Memorial Park, located off Armistice Boulevard.

See this festive seasonal Halloween themed display is always a popular family fun activity, presented by the city’s Parks & Recreation Department.

For schedule and updated information call 401-728-0500 or go online at www.pawtucketri.com

Community road race

The rural community of Burrillville, RI, in the northwestern corner of the Blackstone River Valley, presents their 10^th Annual Snakes Alive 5k Road Race Sunday, October 11.

The race starts at 11:30 am, with walkers welcomed to enter at 10:30 am. The race starts from the Bank of America parking lot in Pascoag Village.

The first 100 registered racers get tee shirts and complimentary raffle tickets. Race winners will compete for trophies and cash prizes.

To participate and for complete race details call Burrillville Parks & Recreation at 401-568-9470 or visit the town’s website at www.burrillville.org