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Reenactors detail historical significance of Gaspee Days for Rhode Islanders | ABC6

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Reenactors detail historical significance of Gaspee Days for Rhode Islanders | ABC6


WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Reenactors gathered in Pawtuxet Park this weekend for the annual Gaspee Days celebration in Warwick.

“It’s great to see that people take pride in our history,” Paul Brunelle, a member of the Kingston Reds, said. “Especially in the times where a lot of people are trying to lose our history.”

The celebration is a long callback to 1772, when the HMS Gaspee, a British ship, chased a colonist boat off the coast of Warwick.

“[They] tricked him onto a sandbar,” Tyler Milone of the Kingston Reds said. “And a few hours later, some men from Providence rode down and just happened to blow it up.”

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Centuries later, Rhode Islanders still express pride in what was a historic moment for the Ocean State, a key moment between the Boston Massacre and the Boston Tea Party.

“It goes so under the radar,” reenactor Kiley Knott said. “The fact that a bunch of Rhode Islanders just rowed out and blew up a ship, I feel like that’s very us.

The pinnacle of the festival is, fittingly, the burning of a ship — a tradition 250 years in the making.

“It’s not every day that you get to celebrate 250 years of an organization,” Ken Gilbert, a member of the Pawtuxet Rangers, said. “Just to have been part of the history of the United States, the regiment was there from the beginning.”

For some participants, Gaspee Days holds a uniquely special meaning.

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“I’m a military vet too, so I’m a very patriotic person,” Brunelle said. “For me to do this and portray a solider that brought us our freedom is just great.”





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St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island

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St. Patrick’s Day 2026: Your Guide To Fun In Rhode Island


Rhode Islanders who plan to join in the global celebration of Irish culture can choose from big and small events, including a parade in Providence.

The March 17 holiday falls on a Tuesday this year, and many big events will be held the weekend of March 14-15. Originally a modest, religious feast day honoring the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day today is a vibrant, boisterous holiday observed by millions of people regardless of their heritage.

The Providence parade is March 21.

We’ve rounded up 10 more events to help you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But first, are you planning an event this spring? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!

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Here’s your guide to St. Patrick’s Day fun in Rhode Island:





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Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash

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Married couple from R.I. identified as victims in fatal Swansea crash


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The two victims were identified as a husband and wife from Rhode Island, local officials said.

A Rhode Island husband and wife in their 50s were identified as the two people killed in a Swansea car crash Friday night.

Carlolyn Carcasi, 54, and James Carcasi, 53, of Bristol, Rhode Island, were killed in the Feb. 27 crash, the office of Bristol County District Attorney Thomas Quinn said in a press release Monday.

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The crash occurred at the intersection of Route 136 and Route 6 in Swansea, Quinn’s office said.

Police in Cranston, Rhode Island identified the driver who allegedly hit the couple as Demitri Sousa, 28. Sousa allegedly shot and killed a man in Rhode Island nearly four hours before the crash, Cranston police said.

At around 12:18 a.m. Friday, Swansea police spotted Sousa’s Infiniti barreling down Route 6, Swansea officials said previously.

The couple was driving southbound on Route 136 when the Sousa crashed into the side of a Subaru Ascent. Both cars had “catastrophic damage,” and the Subaru was engulfed in flames, Swansea fire and police officials said. 

Both occupants of the Subaru were declared dead at the scene, Swansea officials said.

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Sousa was transported to a local hospital, where he is being treated for serious injuries. He is expected to live and will be held in Cranston police custody until he is medically cleared, police said Sunday.

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Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, leaders celebrate Women’s History Month with panel event

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Women’s Fund of Rhode Island, leaders celebrate Women’s History Month with panel event


Women’s Fund of Rhode Island and U.S. Sen. Jack Reed celebrated Women’s History Month in Cranston with a panel discussion on Monday.

The event was held at the Cranston Public Library at 9 a.m.

Reed and other leaders of WFRI hosted a panel discussion with women leaders in environmental and agricultural advocacy, education, community resilience, housing, finance, workforce development, and more, officials said.

Women’s Fund of Rhode Island and U.S. Sen. Jack Reed celebrated Women’s History Month in Cranston with a panel discussion on Monday. (WJAR)

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“Women have played a critical role in this process, most often without any recognition,” Reed said. “Today’s panel brings together an extraordinary group of women who are addressing the challenged of sustainability from various angles and I want to thank you all for your great efforts.”

The panelists highlighted their experiences, shared insights and tips on lifting up women’s voices, provided strategies for sparking change and more.

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According to officials, some of the panelists included Executive Director of the Rhode Island Food Policy Council Nessa Richman, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives at Rhode Island College Kim Bright, Newport Housing Authority Executive Director Rhonda Mitchell and more.

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