Final Holiday Weekend of the Summer of '09

Of course, you are probably saying, "What summer?" It has been an on and off season this year, soaked with rain in June and July, and hurricane scares for the last two weekends. Well, Labor Day weekend is upon us, so it is time to get ready for one last bash. There are some things to do this weekend around Rhode Island that are worth mentioning. September 4-6, 2009 12th Annual Rhythm and Roots Festival, Charlestown Ninigret Park, 4813 Old Post Road (Route 1A). Annual roots musical festival with blues, New Orleans R&B, Cajun, Zydeco, Swing, etc. Features two huge dance floors, four music stages, dance lessons, food vendors, kids activities, evening dances, instrument instruction, and more! September 5, 2009 WaterFire, Providence Begins at dusk. Waterplace Park. Water, light, smoke, music, and street performers combine to form an elemental art experience. Tastes of the Working Waterfront Tour, Newport Begins at 11:30am. NRF Museum Store, 415 Thames Street. Taste, touch and smell your way through history while learning about the sailors, merchants and immigrants who lived and worked along Lower Thames Street. Newport Artists and Writers Walking Tour, Newport Begins at 1:00pm. Museum of Newport History, 127 Thames Street. Departs from the museum and ends at the Redwood Library to include the exhibit "Newport's Own: Portraits by Jane Stuart." $15 per person; $10 for NHS members; reservations requested. September 5-7, 2009 12th Annual Newport Waterfront Irish Festival, Newport Begins at 11:00am. Newport Yachting Center, 4 Commercial Wharf. Experience the Emerald Isle in the City by the Sea. This three-day community event celebrates Irish music, culture, cuisine and crafts. September 7, 2009 11th Annual Labor Day Open House, Woonsocket 9:30am4:00pm. Museum of Work and Culture, Market Square. Admission is free to the museum all day. This year's open house commemorates the 75th anniversary of the Woonsocket strike and riot of 1934. A play entitled 'The ITU Meeting' about the strike's aftermath will be presented.