By Jaci Arnone
Nothing quite says summer has arrived like our first ride of the season on the Looff Carousel at Crescent Park. This year as we sat outside the pavilion enjoying a frozen lemonade and reveling in the thrill of our first ride, I couldn’t help but wonder about the story behind this Rhode Island treasure.

I did a little bit of digging to find out that our local carousels play a significant role in carousel history. Four of the area’s carousels were made during the golden age of carousel art, and a reproduction at Roger Williams Park pays homage to the great carousel builders of the nineteenth century.

There are plenty of fun facts to share with your kids during your next visit to a local carousel. Not only will they enjoy the ride, they will also be able to learn about Rhode Island’s history. And if they’re lucky, they may just get the brass ring!

Crescent Park Looff Carousel
End of Bullock’s Point Avenue, East Providence, RI
(401) 435-7518 or (401) 433-2828
Cost: $1 per ride
Summer hours: Open Thursday – Sunday, Noon – 8pm
Off season hours: Open Friday 4pm – 8pm, Sat & Sun Noon – 8pm

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By Kim Clark
LuckyBird Studio (one of the Rhody Girls)

The Providence Open Market, little sister of the Boston and Mashpee Open Markets, is about to begin its second year in downtown Providence. This year several exciting changes have been made in the hopes that the market will be even more successful and become a permanent downtown fixture.

This being the Ocean State, we tend to clear out for the hotter months; therefore, this year the market has been divided into two seasons. Spring season will run for all of June, followed by a break during July and August, and the market will rev up again in the fall for September and October. This year’s market will take place right smack on Westminster Street—which will be closed to traffic—and in the lot next to Tazza Café. Yet another change is that the new on-site managers for the market will be the Providence-based Rhody Girls Art Club.

The Rhody Girls Art Club is an eclectic group of artists and crafters who banded together in 2008 to support one another as they grow their independent businesses. They share information, resources, bright ideas, motivation, bad humor, coffee, and cupcakes. They jumped at the opportunity to manage the Open Market because they think it’s a fine and fabulous thing, and as local artists, they have a vested interest in making it a success.

The Rhody Girls view themselves as market hostesses rather than managers. They want to ensure that everything runs smoothly and that the market is a most excellent experience for shoppers and vendors alike. Down the road, the group sees itself running local shows to benefit local causes and local artists, as well as growing the Rhody Girls’ individual businesses.

So come on out to beautiful, revitalized downtown Providence. Stroll, mingle, have a frozen lemonade, see the fine work of local artisans, stock up on farm-fresh produce, and take a minute to say hi to the Rhody Girls (LuckyBird StudioKiddo Mio, Fruitcake Designs, Ursula & Olive, Blacksheep Designs, Dollface Designs, and Colorshoppe Glass Studio).

Details:
Providence Open Market – Westminster Street, between Eddy and Clemence Street, Downtown Providence
Spring Market: Open every Saturday in June, 12pm to 6pm.
Fall Market: Open every Saturday from September 6 through October 25, 12pm to 5pm.

ATM located nearby at the Providence Postal Federal Credit Union, a few blocks from the Market at 380 Westminster Street, and at the 7-Eleven (two blocks away on Weybosset Street).

Food: Downtown Providence is home to several cafes, restaurants, sandwich shops, and pizzerias. Check out Tazza on Westminster, Taqueria Pacifica on Empire Street, and Cilantro on Weybosset Street.

I am thrilled that this series is back for a second season—so cool to watch a free movie outdoors in downtown Providence. Films are shown every Thursday at dusk from June through September, weather permitting. The movie is projected on the side of a building across from Tazza, on the corner of Westminster Street and Union Street. You can easily grab some drinks and food while you watch your favorite flicks under the stars.

Although some of these movies may be fun for the whole family, this event makes for a great date night or mom’s night out.

Schedule:
June
6/5 - Breakfast at Tiffany’s
6/12- The Princess Bride
6/19 - Indiana Jones: Raiders of the lost Ark
6/26 - Fletch

July
7/3 - Independence Day
7/10 - Soundsession 2008
7/17 - Rocky
7/24 - The Birds
7/31 - One Crazy Summer

August
8/7- Rocky Point Movie
8/14 - American Graffiti
8/21 - Monty Python and the Holy Grail
8/28 - Goldfinger

September
9/4 - Star Wars
9/11 - Forrest Gump
9/18 - Moonstruck
9/25 - Top Gun

By Erin Goodman

Our annual, treasured Potluck Picnic in the Park actually began out of sheer desperation two years ago when, a few weeks after our son was born, our daughter was turning two.

Up until a week before her birthday, I planned to host a party for our friends and family at our house, as I had done for her first birthday. And then sleep-deprivation and postpartum hormones kicked into high gear, and through my sobs I began trying to figure out how the heck to get out of the insanity that I had created for myself.

Remembering the wonderful collective first-birthday celebration my friends (aka the “Yoga Mamas”) held at Goddard Memorial Park the year before, I made a quick phone call to secure adjoining picnic sites for our celebration.

The party, which also celebrated Father’s Day, was so much fun that everyone, especially older relatives with fond memories of childhood picnics at Goddard and Pulaski parks, immediately started talking about making it an annual tradition.

Then this year, in the hopes of creating a more relaxing Father’s Day for my husband, who spent the last two schlepping gear to the park, moving picnic tables, and flipping burgers, we decided to celebrate the kids’ birthdays (quietly) on their actual birthdays, move the picnic to Memorial Day weekend, expand the invite list, and make it an (unofficial) start of summer party. And that’s just what we did!
And since all our guests brought the food, we got to focus on the really fun stuff!

I picked up burlap coffee bean bags ($1 a piece at Building 19) for sack races, a giant parachute ($24.95 at Target), hula hoops, balloons for animal-making (which, somewhere along the way, my husband has become quite proficient at), Frisbees, a wiffle ball and bat, a couple of Nerf balls, and plenty of jars of bubbles (all purchased at iParty).

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By Katy Killilea

When expert fisher-friends invited us to join them at one of their hot family fishing spots this weekend, we were ready. We had just acquired fine rods and reels from a tag sale, the sun was shining, and we had half a box of peanut butter crackers already tucked into our beach bag—we were ready to go! And so we went on our way, for the very first time, to fish at Sabin Point Park in East Providence.

The kids’ ages were (a strapping, fearless) three years to (a patient, nurturing) seven-and-a-half, and casting off the tiny beach at Sabin Point suited them perfectly. The bait was clams. The expert family provided this bait, as well as hooks and bobbins. There were a few brief, harrowing moments when the inexperienced children waggled their rods and hooks a little too close to their mom’s face. Many lines got tangled in many Crocs. But the good times far outweighed the bad. And we didn’t even catch a fish!

The children stood so patiently in the water, casting over and over and reeling in seaweed. The knowledgeable parents instructed the rest of us on the art of casting, maintaining a line-unsnagging posture, and everything else we needed to know. Sabin Point is a beautiful part of Rhode Island. We spent most of our time on the beach fishing, but there is also a playground with tons of swings, little slides, and even those low basketball hoops with real backboards that are so hard to find. Ducks and minnows were easy to spot, as were jolly men smoking cigars. Lovely sea glass as well as ordinary sharp shards of glass are plentiful (so use caution where you walk or sit) . There are big rocks perfect for balancing and clambering and there’s even a two-hundred-meter track paved for tricycle and beginning bicycle riders.

Overcome with hunger for fish after two hours spent fishing at the beach, our group headed to Blount’s Clam Shack on Water Street in Warren. The Clam Shack is open for the 2008 season and is as brilliant as last year with a new trailer that serves Wildberry Frozen Yogurt and Gelato. On a sunny day, there is no better place to be. Many diners arrive by boat, so there is plenty to watch on the water. The sun feels more intensely bright there–the crushed white shell ground cover and the proximity to water are unbearable without sunglasses– so every table has an umbrella, and there are big white tents set up for extra shade.
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by Nancy King

I admit that the reason I walked into Blue State Coffee on Thayer Street was not remotely political. Sure, I’d read about how the company donates a portion of its sales to Democratic causes—but my motivation was purely personal, selfish even. I love cafes and am always on the lookout for new ones. So after picking up my daughter from school, we ventured over to check it out.

Blue State Coffee is very cool. The atmosphere is hip, modern, and artsy. And progressive, of course, in keeping with their mission to create “a community that cares about what’s happening in this country.” Here’s how it works: Blue State chooses five progressive causes (one local; four national) every three months, and customers vote on how much each cause receives. When we visited, the causes were: Providence Summerbridge, Stop Global Warming, People for the American Way, National Even Start Association, and Democratic candidates and causes via ActBlue. How much do these and other causes get? Blue State pledges to donate 10 percent of their sales, which amounts to a staggering 50 percent of their profits. MBA-types may take issue with their business model, but it makes you want to stand up and cheer.

Putting aside the politics (again), I was curious to learn the story behind the concept. Apparently, Blue State’s owner is an 18-year-old Yale freshman named Drew. A little more than a year ago, while on a coffee run for his family, he mused, “Wouldn’t it be great if profits from all these lattes could be channeled into great causes?” Before you could say macchiato, Blue State was born—at least in cyberspace. They started by selling coffee (and hope for a better future) online, and then explored where to open their first shop. Providence was chosen because they thought it would be a good haven—with the necessary liberal atmosphere.

So go. And bring the kids. There is indoor and outdoor seating, sweets from Seven Stars, and a new all organic PB&J. Plus, they can check out the art from local area artists that rotates every month. And it’s a wonderful way to introduce children to voting and making a donation to an important cause. (My daughter chose Stop Global Warming because, as she said, “We love the Earth.”) And you? Treat yourself to a cup of fair-trade coffee and lend your support to environmental protection, education, civil rights, alternative energy research, and more. Blue State Coffee: drink liberally.

Blue State Coffee
300 Thayer Street, Providence, RI
Monday – Friday: 7 am – 11 pm
Saturday – Sunday: 8 am – 11 pm

I always loved watching the X Games when they came to Providence. It’s not often the streets of College Hill are closed off for races like Street Luge. Well, let some new races begin! The Red Bull Soapbox Race will speed down College Hill on Saturday, October 13. It’s FREE, open to the public, and bound to be cool fun for kids of ALL ages. This non-motorized racing event invites people to craft outrageous human-powered carts to race against the clock in a downhill sprint to the finish. Soapbox cars can be made of anything the imagination conjures up (See car sketches). Past cars included a baby carriage, a rodeo clown, a massive cob of corn, and more. Extra points for showmanship - participants often wear outrageous costumes, act out skits, and create their own music soundtracks for the race. Sounds like a blast!

Event Details
11 am: Gates open - Explore the pit area and meet the teams!
1 pm: First race starts - Get there early as some surprises are in store.
3:30 pm: Final race takes place - Awards ceremony to follow.

Location
Waterman Street, College Hill Neighborhood
Starting Line: Fones Ally and Prospect Street
Finish Line: Waterman Street and South Main Street

There is a long list of what you can and cannot bring. And event organizers may search you and your bags upon entering or re-entering the event. They recommend leaving large bags at home – so try to pack light.

Here is a list of what YOU CAN BRING: blankets, hand-held umbrellas, soft-sided coolers, baby strollers, portable/collapsible chairs, regular size/unframed backpacks, sealed water bottles, binoculars, and personal camera equipment.

The DO NOT BRING list includes: weapons of any kind (okay my boys will leave their swords at home), illegal substances (including narcotics) or drug paraphernalia, framed or large backpacks, alcohol, glass containers (you may want to repack your baby food), food (this seems a bit tricky), and pets.

by Katy Killilea

After the high seas adventure we had this spring, riding the ferry from Bristol to Prudence Island, I was eager to try the ferry trip from Providence to Newport with my kids. For a number of reasons and with my specific family circumstances (namely, a companion who can barely sit still), the seatless Prudence Island Ferry was a more enjoyable daytrip. But I still highly recommend the ferry to Newport. Here’s why.

While you wait in line along the dock to board, you can see crabs and minnows in the water below the dock. There is quite a lot of marine life activity to observe. Should interest in that wear thin, you should know that the ferry is a magnet for raucous, older ladies in revealing blouses who loudly recall getting drunk on limoncellos, thus forgetting to reapply sunscreen. This provides a nice alternative entertainment.

On the ride, you will get to see ships—big ships—a lot of them, and close up. The ships’ crew members seem generally eager to wave to ferry passengers and even blow their incredibly loud horns. The views are great from up above in the open air, and it was very windy. You will probably need a jacket.

Since we did not think we could manage to entertain ourselves on my remaining $2 in Newport until 4:00 PM (when the next ferry departed), we rode out and right back to Providence, not even setting foot in Newport. On the trip back, we snagged a table inside (there are two tables and each seats six) and spread out our snacks. There is a snack bar with everything from Swedish fish to mixed vodka cocktails. The snack bar crew refused to accept my kids’ dollar for candy. The views from inside are very clear and exciting, and the place was spic and span. One crew member patrolled with a dustbuster, looking in vain for dust to bust.
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Take your kids on a tour of Providence landmarks used in Disney’s new Underdog movie about a crime-fighting canine with super powers. Get a new perspective on our fine city as you look around - things are not what they seem in the movie. If you take the tour before seeing the movie, you’ll have fun identifying and counting the Providence locations included in the film. If you tour after watching Underdog, see if your kids can remember which scene each landmark appeared in.

Tour Map of movie locations.

Providence: State House – 82 Smith Street
Movie Scene: Close-ups in the beginning and the end of the film. Shown throughout the movie surrounded by computer generated buildings.

Providence: State House rotunda 
Movie Scene: In the final scene, four huge brass lamp posts have been replaced by classical statues that look like marble but are really plaster. Dogs seem to run wild across the murals designed by James A. King.

Providence: City Hall - 25 Dorrance Street
Movie Scene: Providence City Hall Council Chambers and various street shots.
Providence: Bank of America – Kennedy Plaza
Movie: Used as a building near “City Hall” (really our State House)

Providence: Turk’s Head Building - corner of Westminster and Weybosset Street
Movie Scene: Underdog rescues a “woman” hanging from a window ledge.

Providence: Citizens Bank Building - 1 Citizens Plaza
Movie Scene: Lobby that seems to lead to Simon Barsinister’s laboratory.

Providence: Westminster Street
Movie Scene: Various scenes throughout the movie.

Providence: Angell Street – near Benefit Street
Movie Scene: Underdog races towards downtown.

Providence: Roger Williams National Memorial Park - North Main Street
Movie Scene: Shoeshine catches a Frisbee and meets Polly Purebread.

Providence: Prospect Park - Congdon Street (overlooking the city)
Movie Scene: Shoeshine has a touching moment with his new owner, Jack.

Providence: Brick bridge leading to Market Square at the Rhode Island School of Design
Movie Scene: Underdog changes into his costume in a phone booth.

Providence: House in West End – not sure exactly where
Movie Scene: Where Underdog lives with his new family - special effects added skyscrapers down the block and an elevated train.

Providence: Cranston Street Armory
for Interior Stage Sets - 125 Dexter Street
Movie Scene: The set for inside Underdog’s new house.
Movie Scene: The laboratory is where the mad Dr. Barsinister conducted his experiments.

Providence: Hope High School - 324 Hope Street
Movie Scene: Renamed “Capitol City Middle School” - where a baseball game is played.

After you pass by Hope High School, head north on Hope Street to Seven Stars Bakery for a yummy treat. It may not be featured in this movie, but look for it in the upcoming Dan in Real Life film.

Have landmarks you want to add? Click comments below and tell us about them.

Swimming pools and water parks in Providence opened yesterday for the summer. Staffed with highly trained Department of Recreation life guards and counselors, they are a great place to cool off in the city with your kids. Open seven days a week, noon to 5 pm.

Swimming pool locations
• Davey Lopes Recreation Center, 227 Dudley St.
• Selim Rogers Recreation Center, 60 Camden St.
• Joslin Recreation Center, 17 Hyat St.
• Neutaconkanut Recreation Center, 675 Plainfield St.
• West End Recreation Center, 109 Bucklin St.
• Zuccolo Recreation Center, 18 Gesler St.

Water park locations
• Cabral Park, next to Vartan Gregorian School in Fox Point
• Pleasant Street Park, on Pleasant Street, off N. Main Street
• Richardson Park, at the intersection of Prairie Avenue and Richardson Street
• Harriet and Sayles Park, at Harriet and Sayles streets
• Fargnoli Park, Smith Street at Jastram Street
• Sackett Street Park, on Sackett, across the street from Sackett Street School

For additional information, contact the Department of Recreation at (401) 421-7740, x323.
Red Cross has General Water Safety Tips that will help you stay safe in, on, and around the water!