2016 Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day is upon us, and the weather looks like it's going to turn  out to be a nice one. This  weekend is notorious for busy travels, but there's plenty to do in our  own backyard. Here's a few ideas to get your plans started!   EAST BAY

Barrington's Memorial Day cereominies begin at 8:30AM at Barrington High School, while the parade (featuring the Pawtuxet Rangers Fife and Drum Corps) kicks off  at 9:30AM at the intersection of Upland Way and Lincoln Avenue and ends in front of the Town Hall where refreshments will be served.   At 11AM there will be a brief Blue Star Memorial Marker Dedication Ceremony presented by the Barrington and Hameho Garden Clubs at Police Cove Park. 

    WEST BAY The Gaspee Days Committee has been committed since 1965 to bringing the Warwick community a free, fun, and family-friendly Arts & Crafts Festival each year, spanning three days over Memorial Day weekend. The festival features over 100 fine artisans as well as community groups and nonprofit organizations selling exclusive items only sold at this event. The festival also has  musical performances, food, and games. Over 50,000 will be on the  Narragansett Parkway this weekend - if you want to be one of them, check out  www.gaspee.com/arts for more information.     SOUTHEASTERN MA Who doesn't like a good ol' parade? The annual Memorial Day Parade in Attleboro steps off Monday at 10AM at the former Knights of Columbus Hall on 2 Hodges Street, and travels to Capron Park where there will be a ceremony at about 11:30AM. According to The Sun Chronicle, this year's grand marshal will be Norman Belmarce, a World War II veteran who saw combat with the Merchant Marines.     SOUTH COUNTY There's not one, but two parades to choose from this year in South County. The Charlestown Memorial Day Parade attracts thousands of spectators each year and features around 700 participants. The Charlestown Parade starts at Cross Mills, Old Post Road, at 1pm and heads to Ninigret Park for ceremonies and a concert by the Wakefield Concert Band. The Hope Valley Memorial Day Parade begins this year at 1:30PM on Monday, and ends right at Billy Hill's Roadhouse where they're hosting a Memorial Day Cookout right after the parade! Also,  Right on  Misquamicut State Beach in Westerly, The Andrea Beach Bar is  hosting four days of events to kick off the unofficial start of summer. Check out their facebook page to see the list of music entertainment and when the dance parties are happening!     PROVIDENCE AND THE EAST SIDE Hope High School in Providence is hosting a Memorial Day Carnival! From tomorrow night all the way until Sunday, head to the school for a family fun time! Carnival hours are: Friday 6-10PM,  Saturday & Sunday 1-11PM, and Monday 1-9PM. Water Fire is back and there will be a full lighting this Saturday after  sunset! This lighting will feature performances from Gendo Taiko and the RI Kung Fu & Lion Dance Club. For the full list of vendors  visit  www.waterfire.org/blog/may-28th-2016-full-lighting If you're looking for something to do in the area on Saturday during the day, head to the Hope Street Farmers' Market  starting at 9AM featuring music from Hope Tunnel and food trucks from Gilded Tomato and Rocket. Guest vendors include Fox Point Pickling and Olive del Mondo.     NORTHERN RI Beginning at 10AM, Lincoln's Memorial Day Parade runs along Smithfield Avenue from Walker Street to the Pawtucket city line.     NORTH PROVIDENCE is hosting their yearly Memorial Day Parade spanning throughout  Mineral Spring and Douglas avenues beginning at North Providence High School at 1PM. The parade ends at the Governor John A. Notte, Jr Park where festivities including music, entertainment, and food will go on until 6PM.