Rhode Islanders celebrate 60th annual Gaspee Days Parade

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The 60th annual Gaspee Days Parade in Warwick Saturday celebrated a key moment in American history, just as the country begins its celebration of 250 years.

Narragansett Parkway was lined with red, white, and blue stripes, celebrating when Rhode Islanders set the HMS Gaspee, a British Ship patrolling Narragansett Bay, on fire.

Historians considered the Burning of the Gaspee “a spark that ignited the American Revolution.”

“This parade is important to Warwick and Cranston, its important to the state of Rhode Island because it was one of the first acts of insurrection against the British in 1772,” Gaspee Days Committee President Erin Flynn said.

The day was filled with colonial militias, professional drum corps, and members of the community.

“I’m excited to see the marching band, especially the trombones because I play the trombone, and I’m also excited to see the red coats, and the blue coats, all the people dressed up as colonists,” one resident said.

The community prepared for the event days in advance, including grocery shopping for the picnics and setting up along the parkway.

“The chairs were set up a whole week beforehand, like that to me is amazing,” Flynn said. “When you walk down this route, just the energy and, you know, its a lot of reunions for a lot of people who grew up in this area, and families come back.”

Some even made the trip back to Rhode Island just for the event.

“I flew…up here from Florida yesterday,” Gaspee Days 5K participant Ryan Emilio said. “I just love doing this, I have been coming here for 26 years, 25 years, so, I don’t miss it, I’m always up here, always get a weekend flight up.”

The parade is condered a Warwick staple to many.

“This parade is basically like a local holiday,” Gaspee Days Committee Chair Sarah Peshka said. “And its just a really great community event where everyone comes together.”