President's Message

Natalie Abernathy, President

I am truly honored and grateful to serve as the President of the Gaspee Days Committee. Being a part of this committee has given me and my fellow volunteers great joy. To be a volunteer for this committee is an incredibly special experience marked with history, tradition, and lifelong friendships.

For over 61 years, wonderful groups of non-paid committee volunteers have come together to preserve and celebrate the first blow for freedom for the United States of America with the Burning of the Gaspee in 1772. This shot sparked the very beginning of our nation’s revolutionary war. We celebrate this monumental milestone through a variety of community events that take place each year. This past year, the Gaspee Days Committee was honored with the award (once again) for the “Best Local Event West Bay” from Rhode Island Monthly. We are so grateful for this honor!

We encourage you to browse our website to learn more about our signature events. This info can be found on our events page. In addition to our signature events, the Committee has also added special events specific to honoring the 250th birthday of the United States of America. It is going to be such a memorable year!

While driving around, you may have noticed the vibrant Gaspee Days license plate. This beautifully designed plate is based on local artist Karl Doerflinger’s painting, the Burning of the Gaspee. If you are interested in ordering one, plates can be ordered through us or through the State of Rhode Island Division of Motors Vehicles.

We hope that you will join us and experience all that the Gaspee Days Committee has to offer. Whether it’s learning more about the local history, joining in the celebration of the parade, enjoying Memorial Day weekend at our three-day Arts & Crafts Festival, waiving to your friends as you run the 5K Road Race or proudly wearing Gaspee Days merchandise there is always something to do in our historic Pawtuxet Village Community. If you find that you are inspired to help us carry the torch and join our Gaspee Days committee, let us know! We’d love to have you as a part of our Gaspee Days family!

Please follow us on our official social media pages. Gaspee Days on Facebook and @gaspeedays on Instagram.

Cheers!