WaterFire Providence announces 2023 season

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — WaterFire Providence announced their 2023 season on Wednesday, including seven full lightings and five partial lightings.

The season began with a pre-season lighting on April 1, with help from the United Way of Rhode Island, followed by the first-ever WaterFire day on Wednesday in Memorial Park.

“We are thrilled to announce the 2023 WaterFire season on the first-ever WaterFire Day,” said Peter Mello, managing director and co-CEO of WaterFire Providence.

“This year’s season includes an exciting lineup of full and partial lightings, made possible with the support of our generous sponsors and community partners; and we invite everyone to join us throughout the season to experience the magic of WaterFire and the beauty of our city,” he continued.

Officials said WaterFire events like Clear Currents Community Paddling Night and the Flames of Hope Celebration are set return in August and September.

Additionally, officials added they will partner with PVDFest for a full lighting on September 9.

The season is set to conclude with WaterFire’s Salute to Veterans on November 4, 2023, a full lighting to honor and recognize the sacrifices of veterans.

Governor McKee was there, speaking to people from out-of-town who came to Providence on Thursday specifically for the event.

“Just met a mom and a daughter that have traveled to 47 states this is the daughters 47th state and she wanted to come to Rhode Island on an evening that WaterFire was active,” McKee said.

Others from out of state said they came for the same reason, “I think it’s amazing it’s not just a display of the sights but also the music that goes along with it brings a bit of an ambiance to it,” Eric Pham, from outside of Los Angeles told ABC 6 News.

“I think it’s a nice community building and probably helps with local businesses and getting people out and enjoying the night and kicking off Spring,” Jenn Whitney, who was visiting from Maine, said.

The full schedule for WaterFire’s 2023 festivities are as follows:

• Saturday, April 1; Partial lighting supported by United Way of Rhode Island and 401Gives from sunset to 9:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 19; WaterFire Day Season kick-off and Strike the Match and #SparkTheAppetite fundraiser from sunset to 9:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 3; Full lighting supported by Rhode Island School of Design from sunset to midnight.
• Sunday, June 18; Partial lighting supported by The 28th North American Catalysis Society from sunset to midnight.
• Saturday, June 24; Full lighting supported by Textron Charitable Trust from sunset to midnight.
• Friday, July 14; Partial lighting supported by Check the Stigma Hockey Classic to benefit Horizon Healthcare Partners from sunset to midnight.
• Saturday, July 22; Full lighting supported Amica Insurance and Bank of America from sunset to midnight.
• Saturday, August 19; Full lighting supported by Cox Business and Cox Media from sunset to midnight.
• Saturday, September 2; Partial lighting for Labor Day weekend from sunset to midnight.
• Saturday, September 9; Full lighting and PVDFest from sunset to midnight.
• Saturday, September 30; Full lighting supported by the R.I. Department of Education, XQ Institute and Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Resource Foundation from sunset 11 p.m.
• Saturday, November 4; WaterFire’s Salute to Veterans from sunset to 10 p.m.

Officials said additional lightings may be scheduled as funding becomes available.

For more information, visit waterfire.org/schedule.