What a Year – Looking Back on 2020

Photo by David Lawlor

What a year it has been for tourism and hospitality in Rhode Island and Blackstone Valley. A year that challenged how we interacted with others. It was a year that made us take a hard look at the inequality and injustice around us. It was also a year that showed compassion, resiliency, creativity and collaboration as we all adapted to new ways of doing business under a pandemic.

Before this all happened, Pawtucket managed to be the only Rhode Island city to hold a St. Patrick’s Day parade, though with fewer people in attendance. Also Rhode Island Spirits in Pawtucket, celebrated its first anniversary before the governor closed down restaurants and bars. 

As the virus spread, large annual events such as Blackstone River Theatre’s Summer Solstice Festival, Fourth of July celebrations, the Chinese Dragon Boat Races & Taiwan Day Festival, Cumberlandfest, Autumnfest and even our Blackstone Valley Polar Express, all cancelled. 

Through it all we carried on. As the year comes to a close, we would like to highlight some of the other businesses and attractions that adapted and survived.

As restaurants moved to take-out and curbside pick-up, we supported them by moving our Culinaria program to a virtual one with Culinaria Live. They also became creative with outdoor dining from summer into winter with igloos, “bring your own blankets” and heaters. 

Museums such as the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket went virtual with its education programs. 

Chepachet turned its annual Fourth of July Ancient & Horribles Parade to Fourth of July decorations along Main Street, while Cumberland continued its Fourth of July tradition with a drive by parade and virtual road race.

Some theaters such as Mixed Magic Theatre and Burbage went virtual. Community Players celebrated 100 years of theater with posts on social media.

Happy New Year!

May 2021 be a brighter and positive New Year!

Photo by Paul Palangi – “Heron”

We look forward to seeing you soon!