Gaspee Days Parade Now Funded Thanks To Donors Large And Small

WARWICK, RI — Pawtuxet Village will once again host its famous Gaspee Days Parade in June, after skipping a year due to the pandemic.

And organizers are breathing a sigh of relief after announcing that a $35,000 fundraising goal has been met, thanks in part to a large last-minute contribution from an Italian restaurant.

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Last year COVID-19 threat not only stopped the parade, but quashed the usual fundraisers, including a road race, arts and crafts festival, and a block party. The parade costs about $60,000 a year to put on, said Erin Flynn of the all-volunteer, non-profit Gaspee Days Committee. About two weeks ago the committee announced they would move forward with parade plans. However, they were still worried about money.

The cup was unexpectedly filled to the brim this week when the owners of a local restaurant group wrote a big check. Basta, in a May 6 Facebook post, announced it has covered 100% of the committee's remaining shortfall for the 2021 event. Basta is at 2195 Broad Street on the Cranston side of the Pawtuxet River.

"There are very few things we love more than pasta. It turns out that one such thing is beautiful, historic Pawtuxet Village and another is this great nation," the restaurant said on Facebook. "We look forward to the community stepping out, safely reuniting, and celebrating together at the Gaspee Day Parade and all Summer long!"

Reached by telephone, Flynn said the donation from Basta was "significant." She said the committee is deeply grateful and thrilled by the restaurant's generosity.

Flynn thanked other businesses, including Navigant Credit Union and Greenwood Credit Union. She noted that the Warwick Beacon newspaper ran a fundraiser, and thanked Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi for keeping the matter in the public eye.

But Flynn said she wanted to be careful about listing names, because there were so many people who joined forces to ensure that the Gaspee Days Parade would happen in 2021.

Flynn said there are many expenses associated with running the parade, including paying for police details in two towns, liability insurance, and portable toilets. Mummers from Philadelphia must be paid, as must the Hallamore Clydesdales and other parade participants.

The Gaspee Days Parade will kick off Saturday June 12 at 10 a.m. It will head down Naragansett Parkway in Warwick to Broad Street in Cranston. According to the committee's website, fireworks are planned on June 5. It's still not known whether the road race will be run. The full roster of events can be found at the Gaspee Days website.

"After a difficult year, I think everyone wants to exhale and have a good time, while expressing pride in the community," she said. "Gaspee Days is a feel-good, safe, fun, and family-friendly event that honors our nation's history."