Warwick Mayor And RI Governor Kick Off Quahog Week

WARWICK, RI — It's not just "stuffies." Rhode Island's fifth annual Quahog Week is in full swing, and restaurants across the state are highlighting the state's famous hard-shelled clam.

This year Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi hosted the kick-off ceremony under bright blue skies, and Gov. Dan McKee signed a proclamation declaring May 17-23 as Quahog Week 2021.

"It is definitely a year we will remember," said McKee.

"Please go out, order local seafood, and in particular order quahogs," remarked Janet Coit, director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management.

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Picozzi, McKee, Coit, and Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos then headed out on the fishing vessel Black Gold to try their hand at quahogging.

Coit said there are around 500 commercial quahog harvesters in Rhode Island, with about half that number operating full-time. The year-round enterprise supports hundreds of additional jobs.

A list of Rhode Island restaurants participating in Quahog Week can be found here. Rhode Island Monthly has more, and name-checks a number of dining establishments and markets that are featuring the clam this week.