Summer in Providence

Skaters in full Roller Derby gear raced around the Banjotti fountain at Burnside Park setting the stage for a summer of fun-filled activities. As drummers entertained the noontime crowd, Mayor David N. Cicilline joined several community partners to kick off the 2009 summer line-up for the Kennedy Plaza area.

“Thanks to the hard work and vision of our community partners, we have transformed the Kennedy Plaza area into a lively gathering space where visitors can enjoy live music, the work of local artists, farm-fresh vegetables, Providence Roller Derby warm-ups or browsing at the Market Bazaar,” said Mayor Cicilline. “Kennedy Plaza is our city’s “front door” and the synergy we create here helps fuel the economic, social and cultural success of our downtown.”

This is the second year of programming in the Kennedy Plaza area. The effort grew out of the Greater Kennedy Plaza Working Group, a public/private partnership focused on coming up with innovative ways to transform the under utilized area into a lively public space, rich with activity.

After announcing the summer lineup, Mayor Cicilline invited the public to the Greater Kennedy Plaza kick-off party Thursday evening from 5pm to 7pm featuring kids games, delicious food, a sample of weekly events, a beer garden hosted by Trinity Brewhouse and a free performance by the Latin jazz band Alebreke. There will also be skateboarding for $3 in the Bank of America City Center and a free raffle with great prizes

Greater Kennedy Plaza weekly activities for the 2009 season are as follows:

Market Bazaar

Mondays 11am – 5pm

Vendors sell eclectic food, antiques, books, music, art and other merchandise along the Washington Street side of Burnside Park

Providence Roller Derby Practice

Monday & Wednesday 7pm – 10pm
Bank of America City Center

High School League Basketball

Monday & Wednesday 5pm – 9pm (July – August)

Bank of America City Center

Public Square Tuesday

Tuesday 11:30am – 1:30pm

Local community groups provide the public with information about their agencies present their missions

Noon Tunes

Wednesdays 12-1pm

Grab your lunch and listen to a variety of musical genres from jazz and highlife to Celtic and folk in Burnside Park

Fit and Fun Thursdays

Thursdays 12:15 – pm

Free exercise classes featuring everything from yoga and power walking to boot camp hosted by Boston Sports Clubs

Burnside Park Music Series

Thursdays 5 – 7pm

Wind down after work with bands and DJs from all over New England and enjoy a beverage from the beer garden hosted by Trinity Brewhouse

Farmers Market

Friday’s 11am – 2pm

Shop for fresh, taste harvests from Rhode Island farms on the sidewalk along Burnside Park sponsored by Farm Fresh Rhode Island