2015 Providence 4th of July Celebration

Information about this weekend’s 4th of July celebrations from the City:

Mayor Elorza Invites Providence Residents to Celebrate Fourth of July

Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra performance and fireworks display highlight BankRI Independence Day Celebration in India Point Park

Mayor Jorge O. Elorza, the City of Providence Department of Art, Culture + Tourism, and the Providence Tourism Council will host the BankRI Independence Day Celebration on Saturday, July 4 at India Point Park.

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra will provide entertainment during the celebration, which will be followed by a spectacular Fourth of July fireworks display. The free concert begins at 7:30pm and the fireworks display is scheduled for 9:15pm. A rain date of July 5, 2015 has been set.

“The BankRI Independence Day Celebration is a highlight of the summer season in our Creative Capital,” said Mayor Elorza. “I look forward to joining visitors and residents at India Point Park to celebrate the Fourth of July with a free concert from the Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra and our signature fireworks display.”

Additional sponsors of the celebration include the Department of Parks and Recreation, Lite Rock 105, the Providence Federation of Musicians, the Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, National Grid, and Narragansett Beer.

“As the presenting sponsor of the BankRI Independence Day Celebration, we are excited to join our neighbors in celebrating one of our country’s most important holidays,” said Mark J. Meiklejohn, President and CEO of BankRI. “This event–which offers enjoyment for families and people of all ages–truly captures what makes our Capital City and state special.”

The Rhode Island Philharmonic Pops Orchestra is led by Conductor Francisco Noya, a well-known figure in the New England music scene. He served as Music Director of the Longwood Symphony Orchestra in Boston for 12 seasons and is a prominent member of the Conducting Faculty at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. As Resident Conductor of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra, Mr. Noya conducts the education concerts, POPS-PHIL-PPAC concerts, and Summer Pops concerts.

“The musicians of the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra and the Providence Federation of Musicians believe in free public concerts for the people of Rhode Island, and have helped make this program possible by reducing performer’s fees 33% for this performance. They are honored to be a part of Providence’s July 4th Celebration,” said Philharmonic Executive Director David J. Beauchesne.

July 4 Safety + Traffic Plan

We are working closely with our public safety agencies to ensure that this year’s event is fun and secure.

• Spectators are asked to be aware of their surroundings. If you see a suspicious person, object or vehicle in the park, please report the sighting to (401) 272-3121 or notify nearby law enforcement personnel.
• Do not store or leave any personal items, backpacks, or packages unattended in the park.
• Bags may be subject to random search.
• No fireworks of any kind are allowed in the park.
• No open flames of any kind are allowed in the park.
• Per the regulations of the Providence Parks Commission, dogs, skateboards and open flames/grilling will be prohibited in the park.
• Expect delays when leaving after the fireworks.
• The public is strongly encouraged to access the park by the India Point Park Walking Bridge located at East and Wickenden Streets.

The City will also be observing the following traffic plan to ensure easy access in and out of India Point Park on July 4:

• There will be restricted parking along India Street and it will be closed after 8 a.m.
• South Main and India Street will be ONE-WAY (South then West) from Point Street along South Main under the I-Way Bridge underpass West to the Wyndham Hotel (Gano Street).
• Customers of the Wyndham will be allowed to enter from Gano Street.
• No stopping will be allowed on Route 95 or Route 195. The Rhode Island State Police will be posted on the highway.
• Boats are permitted in the Bay but safety regulations will be strictly enforced, including requiring navigational lights, life jackets, and a 200 yard security zone around the fireworks barge. For more information on boat safety laws, please visit: www.uscgboating.org/