Gaspee Days in Rhode Island is a vibrant celebration of history and community spirit. Each June, I eagerly await Gaspee Days, as does what seems like half of the state of Rhode Island. With anticipation and excitement the enthusiastic crowd shares in the collective celebration and camaraderie.
Of course the parade has the local high school bands, perhaps a gaggle of dance class students, plenty of local and state politicians. In years past, we would always be entertained by Tony the Dancing Cop, a local legend known for his spirited dance moves, embedded in the procession with his infectious enthusiasm. His presence is less often felt since he retired out of state, but you never know when he’ll return to set the tone for a lively and memorable event.
As the parade made its way down the street, I am always struck by the diversity of participants, each contributing to their own unique flavor to the event. From the colorful floats adorned with historical imagery to the precision formations of the high school band, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
But perhaps the most captivating is the groups of historical reenactors like the Pawtuxet Rangers, bringing to life the characters and events of the past with remarkable authenticity. Dressed in period attire, offer glimpses into Rhode Island’s colonial history, the events leading up to the Gaspee Affair, and the War for Independence that the Gaspee Affair helped trigger.
From colonial soldiers to era civilians, the reenactors portray a wide array of characters, each adding depth and context, with amazing dedication to historical accuracy.
In the midst of the festivities, I struck up conversations with fellow parade-goers, exchanging stories and making new friends along the way. It was a reminder of the power of shared experiences to bring people together, bridging the gap between past and present in a spirit of unity and celebration.
Gaspee Day Parade
The colorful procession holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. This annual spectacle, steeped in history and tradition, serves as the cornerstone of the larger Gaspee Days celebration, uniting communities in a shared reverence for the past and a celebration of the present.
Gaspee Days and its parade is a living tribute to the events of June 9, 1772, when Rhode Island colonists took a stand against British oppression. In the annals of American history, few events loom as large or resonate as deeply as the Gaspee Incident of 1772, though rarely taught in schools beyond the borders of the Ocean State. Born out of a simmering discontent with British rule, this daring act of rebellion served as a catalyst for the American Revolution and forever altered the course of history.
The stage was set in the waters of Rhode Island’s Narragansett Bay, where the HMS Gaspee, a British customs schooner, patrolled the waters in search of smugglers and contraband. Commanded by the zealous Captain William Dudingston, the Gaspee was a symbol of British authority and a source of frustration for Rhode Island colonists, who resented the heavy-handed tactics employed by the British to enforce trade regulations.
On the fateful night a group of Rhode Island patriots, led by Abraham Whipple and John Brown, launched a daring raid on the Gaspee as it lay grounded on a sandbar near present-day Warwick. Under the cover of darkness, the colonists rowed out to the stranded vessel and quickly overwhelmed its crew, capturing Captain Dudingston and setting fire to the ship.
The audacity of the attack sent shockwaves through the British establishment and galvanized support for the colonial cause. News of the Gaspee Incident spread, serving as a rallying cry for colonial resistance and a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked authority. In the wake of the attack, tensions between the colonies and the British crown reached a boiling point, setting the stage for heavy-handed occupation of Boston and the better-known events of Concord and Lexington, eventually leading to the Declaration of Independence and the birth of a new nation.
Today, the legacy of the Gaspee Incident lives on in the hearts and minds of Rhode Islanders, who gather each year to commemorate the events of that fateful night. Gaspee Days serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and a celebration of the enduring spirit of freedom and independence that defines the American experience.
The Festival
The festivities of Gaspee Days unfold along the charming “main street” of Pawtuxet village — a quaint enclave squeezed between Warwick and Cranston, with a character and identity all its own. After the parade passes the point where I watch, I followed the crowd from the parade route to the heart of the village, immersed in a scene straight out of a postcard, with historic buildings lining the streets and the rushing waters of the Pawtuxet River dividing the village in half.
During the festival, the village buzzes with activity as vendors set up stalls offering a tempting array of food, crafts, and souvenirs. The aroma of freshly grilled seafood mingled with the sweet scent of kettle corn, drawing me in with promises of culinary delights waiting to be savored. Handmade crafts and artisanal goods and still more mouthwatering treats from local vendors make it a feast for the senses, with vibrant colors and lively music filling the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration.
Pawtuxet village, charming enclave with a rich history dating back to colonial times, is a pleasure even when there’s not a festival, with restaurants like O’Rourke’s Irish Pub and shops, and the rushing waters of the Pawtuxet River making pleasant, restful sojourn, but during Gaspee Days, it’s teeming with excitement and energy.
Reenactors’ Encampment
During the festival, I inevitably make my way to Pawtuxet park where the reenactor’s encampment awaits — a living tableau of colonial life that transported me back in time to the era of the Revolutionary War. It’s hard not to be struck by the attention to detail, and the dedication of the reenactors dressed in period attire going about their daily routines, fully immersed in their roles as soldiers, craftsmen, and civilians of the 18th century.
One year, I spoke with a reenactor carefully loading and firing a small cannon with precision and skill. The thunderous boom of the cannon echoed through the park, sending a thrill of excitement through the crowd gathered to watch. It was a reminder of the firepower that played a crucial role in shaping the course of the Revolutionary War and the bravery of those who fought on both sides of the conflict.
Nearby, another group of reenactors had set up a makeshift field hospital, where they demonstrated the medical techniques and practices of the era. From amputations to herbal remedies, they discussed the harsh realities of battlefield medicine and the ingenuity of those who sought to save lives in the midst of war.
But amidst the chaos and uncertainty of wartime, there was also a sense of camaraderie and community among the reenactors—a shared bond forged through a common love of history and a dedication to preserving the past. As I wandered among the tents, I struck up conversations with the reenactors, eager to learn more about their experiences and the stories they had to share.
From tales of battles fought to anecdotes about daily life in colonial America, each interaction offered a glimpse into the world of the Revolutionary War and the people who inhabited it. It was a humbling reminder of the sacrifices made by those who came before us and the debt of gratitude we owe to the brave men and women who fought for the freedoms we enjoy today.
Reliving the Burning
Anyone who isn’t steeped in the history of Rhode Island and the Revolution is not likely to understand the cultural significance of the reenactment of the burning. You’d imagine it would be scores of reenactors scrambling over a recreation of the ill-fated sloop, with musket fire and torches, eventually burning the carefully-crafted effigy to the waterline, but it’s a much lower-key event. A metal silhouette of the sloop with flammable sails sits in the cove, and a modern boat under the watchful eye of the harbor master sets fire to it. It’s over in a few minutes, with little fanfare and ceremony.
But for those who are steeped in Rhode Island’s history, it’s a symbolic ritual full of significance. Two and a half centuries ago, Rhode Island, the home of heretics, outcasts, smugglers, slavers, mobsters, and the “independent man”, thumbed its nose at British authority and demonstrated that it’s possible to stand up and fight against the strongest power on the planet.
There’s even more — lectures, demonstrations, fireworks, a 5K foot race, and so much more.
For those planning to attend Gaspee Days, there are a few practical details to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Firstly, be prepared for a fair amount of walking, as parking can be challenging to come by. Also, given the often warm temperatures during Gaspee Days, it’s essential to stay hydrated throughout the day. Be sure to pack plenty of water and stay mindful of staying hydrated, especially if you plan to spend an extended period outdoors enjoying the parade, festival, and other activities.
Join Us
As Gaspee Days approaches, I encourage you to join in the celebration and commemorate one of the pivotal moments in American history—the Gaspee Incident. This annual event offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and spirit of colonial Rhode Island, and to honor the brave men and women who dared to challenge the status quo and ignite the flames of revolution.
From the vibrant parade and lively festival to the captivating reenactor’s encampment and dramatic burning of the Gaspee, Gaspee Days offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate. It’s a chance to connect with the past, celebrate our shared heritage, and reflect on the values that continue to shape our nation to this day.
So come join us as we gather to remember and rejoice, to honor the sacrifices of those who came before us, and to celebrate the enduring spirit of freedom and independence that defines us as Americans. Gaspee Days is more than just a commemoration—it’s a living testament to the resilience, determination, and courage of the American people, and it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. See you there!
For more information: www.gaspee.com/ and www.pawtuxetrangers.com
