Published in Pawtucket Times on September 1, 2003

The Pawtucket Arts Festival – it’s all about arts and culture.

For aging baby boomers and seniors, the city’s three-week arts festival, from Sept. 5-21, can be a great get away to take the kids or grandkids for some great family fun.

On Friday, the Pawtucket Arts Festival, formerly part of the Convergence International Arts Festival, will kick off its 2003 season with a mega-Opening gala at the Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, 175 Main St. For just $2, dinner is provided to you by more than 40 local restaurants. The youngsters will love the sound of the French-Canadian band. “Le Vent Du Nord.” They’ll even enjoy watching a tango demonstration presented by Providence tango.

Also, at the Opening Gala, you can get an education about art by meeting the artists and viewing a mixed-media art exhibit by members of the Pawtucket Arts Collaborative. In addition, you can see more than 100 photos (many from local schoolchildren) entered in the City of Pawtucket’s fifth annual photo contest, organized by the Camera Werks of Providence, “People, Places and Things in Pawtucket’s Neighborhood.”

Also at the opening gala, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the sculptors at the “Traditions in Sculpture,” exhibit opening. This figurative sculpture exhibit is presented by Pawtucket-based Kane Sculpture studios.

Last year, thousands of people came from all over Rhode Island to attend the opening gala. This popular event is expected to again by filled to capacity. Call (401) 724-2200 to get instructions about purchasing your admission ticket. Of course, this ticket can be purchased at the door.

For family activities, courtesy of the Pawtucket YMCA, arts and crafts, face painting, a rock-climbing wall, and a bouncing obstacle course will be featured in the parking lot right across from the fire station on Roosevelt Avenue. At  8:30 p.m. a film, “Harry Potter & the Chamber of  Secrets,” will be shown at the Veterans Memorial Amphitheater.

On Sept. 6, experience Chinese culture by attending the Pawtucket Arts Festival’s fourth annual Dragon Boat Race at the School Street pier. Mayor James Doyle challenged all the cities and towns of Rhode Island to participate in this unique race – the boats are 38 feet long, manned by a crew of 18.

Next Saturday, you will see boats sponsored by the cities of Pawtucket. Providence, Cranston and Cumberland race to compete against each  other in the festival’s Public Servant Challenge Race.

Also included in an amazing musical and dance program provided by the Taiwanese government. At the same time on the other end of the pier. Chris Kane from Kane Sculpture of Pawtucket will demonstrate of art of sculpture with a “mental pour.” Results of these “pourings,” metal trivets commemorating the Chinese Dragon Boat Races, will be available for sale at his event.

On Sept. 7, take a trolly tour of artists studios in six mill properties to see dazzling artwork produced by hundreds of Pawtucket artisans. It will be a great opportunity to both young and old  to learn the art of papermaking, painting, photography, woodworking and pottery, to name a few.  Many of these studios offer classes all year long.

Bring the 60s to your children and grandchildren by attending the first “Stone Soup Folk Fest” and fine arts show  at Slater Memorial Park on Sept. 13-14.

Visitors can browse and shop at numerous vendor booths and also listen to a great line up of well-known folk music musicians.

On Saturday, Sept. 13, you can listen to Paul Geremia, Jack Hardy Band, Suzzy & Maggie Roche and Luch Kaplansky. On Sept. 14, come see Brooks Williams, Cliff Eberhardt, Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem and Vance Gilbert.

For bagpipe lovers, listen to the enchanting sounds of the Rhode Island Professional Firefighters Pipes & Drums, and storytelling by Melodie Thompson.

From Sept. 10-15, the 2003 Pawtucket Arts Festival also includes a six-night film festival, with internationally-known filmmaker Michael Corrente attending, on Sept. 10.

On Sept. 18, come listen to a poetry reading and meet nationally-acclaimed poet Norah Pollard, daughter of legendary Pawtucket jockey John “Red” Pollard, who is immortalized in this year’s blockbuster movie hit “Seabiscuit.”

For folk music lovers, Stone Soup Coffee House, one of the oldest coffee houses in New England, begins its 23nd season on Sept. 6 at the Arts Center of the Boys and Girls Club on Main Street. Come back to Stone Soup on Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 to listen to great folk music.

One of the most anticipated and long-awaited Pawtucket Arts Festival events is a performance on Saturday evening, Sept. 20, by the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra. At the conclusion of the performance, there will be a dazzling display of fireworks.

On Sept. 21, the winners of the GreenUp Awards and the city photo contest will be announced at the City’s Visitor Center, at 175 Main St. The final event of the 2003 Pawtucket Arts Festival is the Blackstone Valley Heritage Concert Series. This event will take place at the Pawtucket Congregational Church.

Both young and old can experience the arts for three weeks in Pawtucket. There is no charge in attending the scores of events (except the film festival). Parking is free.