by Mia Zarrella, Entertainment Contributor
It’s a seafood extravaganza. It’s a festival of music, food, entertainment, and charity. And it is happening this weekend. On August 7th, 8th, and 9th at Charlestown’s Ninigret Park, #4890 Old Post Road is the annual Charlestown Seafood Festival.
This event, which was ranked as a “Top 100 Event in North America” by the American Tour Bus Association in 2008 attracts 25,000 to 30,000 attendees each year over the three days it takes place. We are the Ocean State after all, so seafood is something very dear to our hearts and stomachs.
This weekend marks the 31st Annual Charlestown Seafood Festival. Celebrate this event with your family and friends with dining, musical entertainment, fireworks, a car show, amusements, onsite camping, crafters, and so much more.
Be a part of the Rhode Island experience and come enjoy some of the freshest local seafood. East Coast harvestors and vendors, aquaculture growers, restaurateurs, and concessionaires will be doing what they do best. Steaming fresh native lobsters, clams, and mussels, and frying bay and sea scallops will be a daily occurence along with onsite cooking of exotic seafood like freshly boiled Cajun crawfish, seafood jambalaya, Maryland style crab cakes, and farm raised alligator with large gulf shrimp.
Too exotic for you? Then just relish in the littlenecks and oysters—all of which are local, of course.
Charlestown Seafood Festival caters to your other cravings as well. You can enjoy burgers, french fries, hot dogs, clam chowder, clam cakes, fish chowder, corn on the cob, spiral potatoes, smoked BBQ ribs, chicken and beef, steak sandwiches, sausage and pepper sandwiches, strawberry shortcake, ice cream, and much, much more.
Are you drooling yet?
And to wash all of that delicious, fresh, local food down: how does an ice cold draft beer sound? Or perhaps some chilled wine? (Of course, you’ll need a valid photo ID to obtain alcohol).
What other perks do the patrons get?
A large carnival by Rockwell Amusements, craft vendors, and a classic car show can all be enjoyed by the festival-goers. For those really looking for a thrill, by spending $20, a person can enjoy all the rides. But wait, there is more, believe it or not. Just because Fourth of July has passed doesn’t mean there are no more firework shows. On Saturday at 9 p.m., there will be a mid-summer firework display (rain date is Sunday, Aug 9th).
What’d I hear about musical entertainment?
With the general admission price you get day-long outdoor concerts. Living on a Bad Name, a Bon Jovi tribute band, and Vyntyge Skynard, a Lynyrd Skynard tribute band will be playing on Friday, Aug. 7th. On Saturday Aug. 8th, you can enjoy “oldies” rock and roll music by the Reminisants, ‘80s music by the Aquanetts, and AC/DC music by the Dirty Deeds. And finally, on Sunday Aug. 9th, cover bands Squelch, Eight to the Bar, and Cash is King (a tribute band to the one and only Johnny Cash, of course) will also be playing. But wait—is it ever a party without Journey? Merchants of Cool, a Journey tribute band, will also be performing.
Tips: Rest those vocal chords and bring dancing shoes.
General, daily admission to the Charlestown Seafood festival is $8 for adults, children ten years-old and under have free entry and parking is free, though a $2.00 parking donation is encouraged.
Yes, you read that correctly. Delicious fresh and local food, non-stop jammin’ music, and great family-appropriate entertainment all come at the same price as two Starbucks lattes.
What else should I know?
The event runs noon to 11 p.m. on Friday and then 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. This is a rain-or-shine event and pets should remain at home. Also, self-contained camping is available on site. It is a $100 fee to camp at the festival, which includes three days of camping and two admission bracelets into the festival.
The Charlestown Seafood Festival is more than a great time, though. It does great things, too. The festival supports the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce which is a 501c3 (tax exempt nonprofit organization) charity and it donates booths to each of the following charities: Charlestown Animal Shelter, Golden Retriever Rescue, Second Chance Animal Rescue, RICAN, Neighbors helping Neighbors, Color for Cause, Charhio Rotary Club, Peace Dale Fire Fighters, Charhio Scholarship Program, Charlestown Land Trust, Cody Clarkin Town of Charlestown, Wounded Warrior Program, Rhode Street Rod Association.
What’s not to love about this event? The money you spend will go to helping either the hungry and sick, the handicapped, animals, veterans and students, and a number of other good causes. It’s food, music, entertainment, and good deeds.
For more information and a detailed schedule of festival events and activities log on to www.charlestownrichamber.com/seafoodfestival.html.
