The Gaspee Days Committee Wants You! Please Join Us!

Becoming a member of the Gaspee Days Committee is not hard.....just pay the $10 annual dues and come to the meetings. There are sporadic time commitments involved, and we ask each member to pitch in with running some of our events, such as the Parade, Arts & Crafts Festival, etc.

We really do have a lot of fun, while being members of a respected community group that brings in a lot of business to the cities of Cranston and Warwick during our celebrations. Why else would we put up with all these headaches? Over the past few years however, our membership has dwindled to critically low levels. We ask for your support, not with your money, but with your input and commitment to help us make Pawtuxet Village better than ever. You'll not only make a lasting impression, you'll make lasting friendships!

For more information please write or call:

The Gaspee Days Committee
P.O. Box 1772
Warwick, RI 02888

(401) 781-1772

• Click here to view the bylaws of the Gaspee Days Committee
• Click Here To Download and Print Out Application

Runs the 3-day Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival each Memorial Day Weekend along Narragansett Parkway in the Warwick side of Pawtuxet Village.  Duties include:

• Has overall command of Arts & Crafts Festival
• Recruits team of 2 or 3 other Gaspee members to assist
• Develops master strategy for upcoming year
• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Recruits selected high quality artists and crafts people from throughout New England
• Contracts with these exhibitors and collects fees
• Assigns and marks exhibit spaces along Narragansett Parkway
• Works closely with Arts & Crafts Vendors Chair
• Loosely oversees Food vendors, Security, Rides, Music, Popcorn, Sales, & Raffles activities during Festival
• Arranges services such as trash removal & night security
• Coordinates advertisements for the Festival with Publicity Chair and with Webmaster.
• Coordinates Banners with Decorations & Banners Chair
• Coordinates police & safety services with Gaspee President and Parade Chair
• Available during Festival for dispute resolution
• Collects estimated RI Sales Tax from exhibitors that do not have a RI Sales Permit
• Ensures collection of RI Sales Tax is given to RI Division of Taxation after event
• Submits to Treasurer all collected funds for deposit, and bills to be paid
• Submits final report with budget to President

All those food vendors and ride/attraction at the Arts & Crafts Festival are actually permitted by us to do so only after paying a vendors fee to us. The position of Arts & Crafts Vendors Chair may be, but not necessarily is, the same as the Parade Vendors Chair

• Promote variety of food items to be sold and rides to be wrought (sic)
• Accept applications from vendors and collects fees
• Assign spaces in Boathouse parking lot, and within Pawtuxet Park
• Monitor vendors during event to ensure compliance
• Works closely with Arts & Crafts Chair
• Assures picnic table and chairs available in Boathouse lot
• Arranges trash pick-up and security in conjunction with A&C Chair
• Assures adequate electrical and water service from Boathouse to meet vendors needs
• Reports to the President and Treasurer

Has responsibility for the various decorations and banners at any Gaspee Days event.  Duties include:

• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Coordinates with Publicity Chair on needs
• Arranges for new banners and decorations as necessary
• Ensures proper storage and maintenance of the decorations and banners
• Coordinates with Cox Cable or other service for overhead banner hanging and removal in Pawtuxet Village
• Arranges bunting placement around Pawtuxet Village and coordinates with merchants who put up their own bunting and decorations
• Arranges for the Parade review stand decorations and bunting
• Arranges for and contracts for annual repainting of the red/white/blue road stripe each May along the entire Parade route
• Submits bills to Treasurer for payment
• Submits report with budget to President

Membership elects the General Officers and Board of Directors at its second June meeting annually.  Members are selected for candidacy by either the Nominating Committee and/or by floor vote.
For more information, see Bylaws

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President

A position of great responsibility, usually for a two year term, but must be reelected annually

Presides at all general meetings and all meetings of the Board of Directors according to Roberts' Rules of Order

Delegates problems and tasks to subordinates

Assures all permits are obtained for our celebrations

Arranges annual audit of funds

Meets with Public Safety officials in planning logistics of Parade, Arts & Crafts, etc.

Garners political support on neighborhood, city, state, and national levels

Envisions future directions and activities of the Gaspee Days Committee

Is the public spokesperson for the Committee in media relations

Member of the Board of Directors

Serves as Immediate Past President upon completion of term

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First Vice President

Presides in the absence of the President at all general meetings and all meetings of the Board of Directors.

The First Vice President shall assume an the duties of the President in the absence of the President and perform such duties as may be delegated by the President.

Learns duties and methodologies of President to be prepared to assume role upon next election cycle.

Performs such duties and functions as may be delegated by the President.

Member of the Board of Directors

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Second Vice President Vice President

Performs such duties and functions as may be delegated by the President.

Member of the Board of Directors

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Recording Secretary

Keeps an accurate record of the minutes of all general meetings and all meetings of the Board of Directors.

Has a copy of Bylaws available at all meetings, and shall perform such other duties as are pertinent to the office of Recording Secretary.

Reads minutes of previous meetings to the membership

Performs such duties and functions as may be delegated by the President.

Member of the Board of Directors

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Corresponding Secretary

Responsible for all correspondence

Notifies all members of the Committee of all meetings at least five (5) days ahead

Performs such duties and functions as may be delegated by the President.

Member of the Board of Directors

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Treasurer

PreRequisite: Must be bondable, and possess basic computer skills

Receives, holds, and accounts all money transactions

Signs checks to be paid in conjunction with President

Oversees all bank accounts

Endures annual audit

Keeps proper records of all accounts showing all receipts and disbursements

Reports at monthly meetings the financial status of accounts

Performs such duties and functions as may be delegated by the President.

Member of the Board of Directors

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Director

There are four elected directors in addition to the General Officers and the Immediate Past President that all together make up the Board of Directors

Member of the Board of Directors

Problem solving and strategic planning

Performs such duties and functions as may be delegated by the President or Board

The Burning of the Gaspee takes place each year as the formal end to our public ceremonies

• Inspects Gaspee silhouette for 'seaworthiness' and arranges repairs as needed
• Repaints silhouette prior to Parade display and subsequent torching
• Works with Warwick harbormaster to ensure safety of the Gaspee silhouette and the burning
• Plans boats and burning material as appropriate
• Briefs burning crew on safety and plan of attack
• Reports to President
• See Checklist here (req.password)
  

• Creates operating plan for the boat house
• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Recruits Gaspee members to assist as necessary
• Ensures safety and security at the boat house
• Arranges for regular repair and maintenance as needed
• Contracts with small groups to rent the boat house facilities for approved events
• Opens and closes the boat house, or assigns someone to do so, on an as needed basis
• Distributes and accounts for all keys as appropriate
• Ensures boat house facilities are properly cleaned after each event
• Coordinates work teams of Gaspee members for large clean-up jobs
• Plans and coordinates renovations as envisioned with Board approval
• Submits to Treasurer all collected funds for deposit, and bills to be paid
• Submits final report with budget to President

• Recruits 1 or 2 Gaspee members to assist during event
• Selects and arranges for site for contest to be held
• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Coordinates updates with Publicity Chair and with Webmaster
• Coordinates with Daughters of the American Revolution to judge the contest
• Coordinates with Pawtuxet Rangers to be in attendance
• Arranges for refreshments and entertainment during the contest
• Arranges for awards and prizes to be given out as appropriate
• Coordinates with Parade Chair for entrants to march in the Parade
• Submits to Treasurer all collected funds for deposit, and bills to be paid
• Submits final report with budget to President

• Arranges for reliable pick-up truck with suitable crowd appeal for use during the Parade
• Arranges for megaphone/sound system for appeal for donations
• Arranges for 5 gallon decorated handle buckets to be used for collection
• Recruits trustworthy teenagers to collect money during Parade
• Provides collection team with appropriate Gaspee shirts
• Assures full and adequate security for collected funds during and after Parade
• Submits to Treasurer all collected funds for deposit, and bills to be paid
• Submits final report with budget to President

• Arranges with Pawtuxet Baptist Church for use of Church on Parade morning
• Coordinates updates with Publicity Chair and with Webmaster
• Coordinates with local clergy in the multi-faith, non-denominational service
• Usually 3 or 4 clergy total from Pawtuxet area churches and synagogues
• Arranges for the West Bay Chorus to sing music during service
• Coordinates with parade Chair on VIP transportation from Ecumenical Service to Parade Staging Area
• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Submits to Treasurer any bills to be paid

Organizes the annual Gaspee Days Encampment of Colonial Forces which occurs on the weekend of each Parade. Currently held at Pawtuxet Park, and is chaired by a member of both the Gaspee Days Committee and Pawtuxet Rangers.  Usually also functions as Chair of Mock Battle, and serves as liaison between the Committee and the Pawtuxet Rangers, and is a member of both.

• Arranges event in coordination with Pawtuxet Rangers as host unit and several other colonial militia groups that are at the Parade
• Coordinates with Boathouse Chair, Parade Chair, Muster Chair, Sunday-in-the-Park Chair, and Mock Battle Chair in organizing the event.  The Parade Chair assembles the list of groups interested in Encamping.
• Distributes rules of the encampment to group leaders prior to event
• Collects fees, if any, from participating groups
• Obtains permits as necessary in conjunction with President
• Arranges for food and special events for participants
• Orders hay and firewood to be delivered to site.
• Oversees safety of participants and public walk troughs of the encampment
• Coordinates with Publicity Chair and Webmaster
• Reports to President, Treasurer, and Pawtuxet Rangers Commandant

Organizes the annual Gaspee Essay Contest designed to increase awareness among local students (and their teachers), of the importance of the Gaspee Affair in American history.

• Reviews format of contest
• Selects annual essay topic
• Advertises contest among local high school history teachers
• Arranges for essay judges
• Awards cash prizes and certificates of merit as appropriate
• Reports to President, treasurer, and webmaster.

A get-together hoedown and chowdown held for Gaspee Days Committee member and their friends
provided on a no deficit basis, i.e. this shouldn't cost the Committee any money directly. PreRequisite: Certificate of First Degree from a fine French culinary institute (or a great imagination)

• Selects site, date, menu, band, and per person cost
• Selects team to help decorate, prepare, cook, and serve in buffet style
• Prints up and sells tickets to Gaspee members and friends
• Is not a publicly advertised event
• Reports to President

Organizes the annual dinner dance night for the Gaspee community.  Duties include:

• Arranges hall rental, menu, and band
• Coordinates updates with Publicity Chair and with Webmaster
• Arranges schedule of events, and emcee
• Advertises the event and arranges ticket sales
• Coordinates with Pawtuxet Rangers for honor guard
• Coordinates with Parade Chair on Grand Marshal invite
• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Submits final report to President
• Submits to Treasurer any bills to be paid

Organizes the annual Gaspee Days Golf Tournament at a local country club.  Usually held in late June, it is open to the public, although mostly Gaspee Days Committee members attend.  Focus is on more fun than scores.

• Selects site and date of event
• Advertises and sells tickets to event, usually in four member teams
• Arranges for steak fry and food after tournament
• Seeks corporate sponsorships for individual hole advertising and prizes.
• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Submits final report to President
• Submits to Treasurer any bills to be paid

Arranges the details of a party for adults or kids of Gaspee Days Committee members, usually designed more as a party for the Gaspee Committee itself at the Boathouse.

• Selects date & time, and books the Boathouse
• Advertises event within Gaspee community
• Arranges for music, entertainment, and treats
• Decorates boathouse for event
• Reports to President and Treasurer
• May coordinate with Pawtuxet Village Association for a public event

We've accumulated a lot of stuff since 1966, and this person has to deal with it.

• Collects and preserves stores various artifacts and written history of the Gaspee Days Committee.
• Stores these items in a safe location.
• Periodically writes an updated history of the Committee for media use.

Organizes the annual Installation Dinner for the Board of Directors of the Gaspee Days Committee.  Duties include:

• Arranges hall rental, menu, and music system
• Coordinates updates with Publicity Chair and with Webmaster
• Arranges schedule of events, and emcee
• Advertises the event within the Committee and arranges ticket sales
• Coordinates with Pawtuxet Rangers for honor guard
• Coordinates with mayors of Warwick and Cranston for appearances
• Arranges photos of Board for newspapers, webmaster, and boathouse
• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Submits final report to President
• Submits to Treasurer any bills to be paid

Is in charge of membership accounting and services for the Gaspee Days Committee.

• Accepts applications for new members, and presents them to the monthly Gaspee meeting for vote of approval
• Reminds membership of annual dues payable before elections
• Collects annual dues and issues membership cards
• Hold all membership information in spreadsheet database computer program
• Prints address labels of membership list as requested.
• Coordinates annual membership drive at December meeting
• Periodically publishes the Gaspee Daze membership list and bylaws booklet
• Reports to President and Treasurer

Organizes the annual Mock Battle and Military Maneuvers at the Sunday-in-the-Park celebration which occurs the Sunday after each parade. Usually also in charge of the Encampment.

• Arranges event in coordination with Pawtuxet Rangers and one or two other colonial militia groups that are at Encampment
• Coordinates with Sunday-in-the-Park Chair
• Designates emcee, and ensures PA sound system availability
• Scripts battle and maneuvers as appropriate
• Reports to President.
• Usually no budget, as this utilizes militia groups that already are present at the site for the Colonial Encampment.

Organizes the annual Gaspee Days Muster of Colonial Fifes & Drums celebration which occurs immediately after each Parade. Currently held at Pawtuxet Park

• Arranges event in coordination with Pawtuxet Rangers Fife & Drum Corps as host unit and several other colonial fife & drum groups that are at the Parade
• Coordinates with Parade Chair & Encampment Chair in organizing the event.  The Parade Chair assembles the list of groups interested in Mustering.
• Coordinates with Boy Scouts Gaspee Pack 4 of St. Peter's Church regarding the hot dog and soda vending booth (run at their own effort and profit).
• Coordinates with RI National Guard Adjutant General, if required, regarding specific protocol of awarding Muster streamers.
• Designates Muster Master, and ensures PA sound system availability
• Orders Muster streamers in coordination with Parade Chair who orders the similar Grand Marshal ribbon.
• Selects order of Muster, usually by oldest charter date
• Reports to President and Treasurer

The head of Nominating Committee is appointed by the Board of Directors, other members by floor approval.

• Select best candidates to stand for election as General Officers or members of the Board of Directors.
• Approach members as to their willingness to serve.

Manages the upkeep and planning for the Gaspee Overlook grove on Narragansett Parkway.

• Assures this historical marker site is kept up and kept tidy
• Future concerns include working with the Mayor of Warwick, and the RI Coastal Resources Management Council to allow tree clearing at the site so that the public can actually see Gaspee Point.

Manages all planning and operating phases of the annual Gaspee Days Parade, held on the second Saturday of each June.

• Pre-requisites: computer system, Internet access, and e-mail account.
• Picks Parade Vice Chair with Board approval.  Picks Parade Float Chair to assist
• Recruits other Committee members into helping as needed
• Works with Tech Support to get up to speed on FileMaker Pro, the software database than runs the parade operations program.
• Reviews budget, assigns priorities, and plans the best Colonial themed parade possible under constraints of budget, tradition, and personal taste.
• Sends out invites and proposals to many possible parade groups
• Negotiates fees and circumstances for parade groups
• Contracts and pays parade groups as negotiated
• Sends out various communications as necessary per the database
• Meets with Police and Cable TV representatives to plan logistics
• Selects Parade Grand Marshal with Board approval
• Coordinates with numerous other Committee members and Board as necessary to ensure all is done.
• Interviews with TV and newspaper media
• Accomplishes or delegates "To Do List" that is over ten pages long
• Reports to full Gaspee Board and Tech Support
• Basks in glory after a job well done

All those guys hawking their toys and balloons all along the parade route are actually permitted by us to do so only after paying a vendors fee to us. The position of Vendors Chair may be, but not necessarily is, the same as the Arts & Crafts Food Vendors Chair.  PreRequisite: a bold and strong willed personality

• Promote and control types of items to be sold
• Issue vendor permits after collection of fees
• Ensure banned items, such as Silly String, are not sold
• Ensure vendors do not interfere with either the parade or the parade audience
• Monitor vendors during parade to ensure compliance
• Reports to the President and Treasurer

A member of both the Pawtuxet Village Association and the Gaspee Days Committee

• Serves to communicate between both organizations on mutual functions and concerns
• Represents our involvement in the PVA sponsored Walk in Historic Pawtuxet Village, and the Kayak race events
• May also represent the Pawtuxet Village Merchants Association

This is often a task of the President, but may be delegated to a member with knowledge of City Hall administration.  This person must apply for and ensure adequate permits and/or licenses are in hand for all Gaspee Days events, such as:

• Arts & Crafts Festival food court, street closing, and festival
• Parade, street closing, vendors
• Use of Pawtuxet Park
• Road Stripe
• Reports to President

Operates the Popcorn Machine during 3-day Gaspee Days Arts & Crafts Festival each Memorial Day Weekend at the intersection of  Narragansett Parkway and East View Avenue at Pawtuxet Park in the Warwick side of Pawtuxet Village.  Duties include:

• Works with Board on estimated budget
• Ensures regular maintenance of popcorn machine as necessary
• Purchases supplies in bulk on a rotating basis such as popcorn, oil, salt, containers
• Ensures all supplies are properly updated, refrigerated, and stored in Boat House
• Arranges necessary electric service to the popcorn machine
• Recruits Gaspee members in time slots to operate the machine and sell popcorn during the Arts & Crafts Festival and during the Parade
• Sets up the machine each morning and returns machine and supplies to the Aspray Boat House for storage each night
• Updates prices and advertisement sign as necessary
• Ensures security of cash box for sales of popcorn
• Submits to Treasurer all collected funds for deposit, and bills to be paid
• Submits final report with budget to President

Runs the Official State of Rhode Island Proclamation of Gaspee Days, each May. Usually a brief ceremony at the Rhode Island Statehouse, but often held in conjunction with a play or skit recognizing the history of the Gaspee Affair or its participants. It's a media opportunity! PreRequisite: State House connections. (Hey! This is Rhode Island, right?)

• Drafts speeches and announcements
• Advertise event to media representatives in conjunction with Publicity Chair
• Coordinate program or skit
• Reports to President

Coordinates all advertising and media relations for the Gaspee Days Committee.  This position requires an aggressive approach to press releases and advertising among the local media.

• Designs and contracts for advertising in local newspapers for Gaspee Days events
• Sends out press releases on Gaspee Days events to garner media interest
• Maintains a good working relationship with media representatives
• Coordinates all publicity and advertising needs among all subcommittees
• Arranges interviews of various Gaspee Members
• Submits frequent announcements in free listings of community events of newspapers

The Gaspee Days Raffle has become a big fundraiser for the Committee in recent years.

• Plans the format and price of the Raffle with Board approval
• Assures adequate permits obtained in conjunction with Permits Chair
• Solicits Gaspee members, businesses, and politicians for various prizes to be awarded
• Prints up the tickets to be sold
• Recruits Gaspee members and friends to sell the tickets to the public, especially at the Arts and Crafts Fest
• Deposits all funds received with the Treasurer
• Oversees drawing for prizes, and arranges pick-up or delivery of prizes to winners.
• Reports to the President, webmaster, and Treasurer
• See Raffle Checklist here (requires password)
  

The Alan and Edna Brown Memorial Gaspee Days 5K Road Race has grown into one of the premier 5 kilometer runs in the Northeast.  Runners appreciate running before a very large, cheering crowd that is assembled for the Parade that immediately follows.

• Contract with timing/records agency
• Distribute applications and collect fees
• Arrange for corporate sponsors on t-shirts, etc.
• Coordinate with parade chair on Police duty, etc.
• Advertise as necessary
• Run check-in table prior to race
• Distribute water, beverages, and high sugar fruits to runners after event
• Reports to President and Treasurer

Here's where you get to use your imagination in coming up with various Gaspee logo emblazoned items to sell to the public. Prerequisite: Must be fashion and trend conscious.

• Selects and orders clothing and novelty items to be made with the Gaspee logo
• Selects a team to sell items at Gaspee meetings and events as souvenirs
• Reports to President and Treasurer

This is the wind down party for Gaspee members and friends held at Pawtuxet Park on the day after each Parade.  While the public is invited, it's not heavily promoted to them as its more for our friends and family.

• Works closely with Encampment Chair, Mock Battle Chair, Raffle Chair, and Burning Re-Enactment Chair to provide a coordinated afternoon of fun.
• Books music group
• Ensures power to gazebo
• Arranges for grill and food for Gaspee and Encampment members
• Licenses one private food vendor for public use at margin of Pawtuxet Park
• Reports to President

The member in this position keeps a lookout for fellow Gaspee Days Committee members who are experiencing a hard time with serious illnesses or misfortunes.

• Announces impending birthdays, marriages, or outstanding achievements of members
• Sends cards, flowers, and concern at times of illness or death of a close relative
• In coordination with President, announces funeral arrangements in event of  the death of a  member or friend of the Committee.

An annual house cleaning garage sale held at the Aspray Boathouse and grounds.

• Selects date for sale
• Coordinates with Bake Sale held inside the Boathouse
• Solicits items from Gaspee members, friends, and the community
• Advertises event in newspapers
• Tags items as appropriate, and directs arrangements of items on display
• Collects money received and deposits with Treasurer.

Responsible for computer support  for Gaspee Days Committee operations. Fees associated with software, internet domain names and website hosting are paid by the Committee. Submits to Treasurer all collected funds for deposit, and bills to be paid. Submits final report with budget to President

• Parade Database Program--updating, training, and support for parade operations.  This is an extensive database used for analyzing and contracting with the various parade groups using  licensed FileMaker Pro v6.01 software that has been in use by us since 1993.
• Simple Technical Support and Training--such as giving a brief tutorial on the Quicken accounting program to a newly elected treasurer for the Committee, or installing a Zip drive for back-up purposes on the Parade Chair's computer.
• Gaspee Days Committee website at www.gaspee.com--updating and enhancing this website to present public information on the 'what and when' of various Gaspee Days events and activities.  This also incorporates a master e-mail list for communication among members.  Established in 1997.
• Gaspee Virtual Archives website at www.gaspee.org--collects and presents a vast amount of history on the Gaspee Affair and its importance in the start of the American Revolution.  This site is used as a information depot for further historical research. Established in 1997.
• Pawtuxet Village website at www.pawtuxet.com--a site to highlight the business and history of Pawtuxet Village.  The attempt here is to build up favorable relationships between the Gaspee Days Committee and the surrounding business community, while producing income to the Committee by producing simple websites for these businesses. Established in 2002.