Pawtuxet Village comes alive for Gaspee Days

By: Chloe Leshner

cleshner@abc6.com

@cleshnerabc6

A years old tradition continues in Warwick as this weekend marks the 49th annual Gaspee Days. The weekend is all about celebrating America’s "first blow for freedom," but for many, it’s more than just a history lesson, it’s a community tradition.

A part of history makes its way down Narragansett Parkway as tens of thousands of people celebrate the moment that Rhode Island sparked a revolution. Every year Pawtuxet Village comes alive for Gaspee Days, especially for the highly anticipated parade.

"It"s exciting that so many people want to come to our area for the celebration," says Abby Phyfe, who lives in the neighborhood.

Those young and old line the 2 mile parade route, kids in awe of those dressed in colonial clothing. The event draws back people who went as children.

"The community comes together great, I mean you see people that you grew up with that you haven’t seen for years. They all come back for Gaspee Days," says Helen Andrade.

For her family it’s a reunion of sorts, even the newest family member couldn’t miss out on the tradition.

"She’s a month old now so we figured we’d bring her out so she could see the crowds and start going now," says Sean Andrade.

With such a strong turn out, it’s a sign of how much pride people have in their country, community and the traditions it continues.

"We’re out here, we feel safe and a lot of places in the world, they can’t say that today so I feel very blessed," says Manny Pacheco.

The big finale, the symbolic burning of the HMS Gaspee is Sunday at 4.

© WLNE-TV 2017