WaterPlace Park in downtown Providence is an amazing place to take a stroll and enjoy the beauty of nature. However, the major drawing feature of this place is the WaterFire providence event, which attracts tourists from all across the globe.

The credit of kick starting this event goes to Barnaby Evans, who created the First Fire in 1994 in celebration of the tenth anniversary of First Night Providence, the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration. Later on in 1996, he created Second Fire for the International Sculpture Conference. His efforts paid off and soon a number of volunteers gathered and thereafter organized a fund-raising effort to support a permanent installation. The 1997 season featured 13 WaterFire events that attracted an estimated 350,000 people. Along with an increase in the number of bonfires, there has also the frequency with which this event would be held. So, residents and visitors now have an opportunity to witness this event for more than eleven times a year.

The hundred sparkling bonfires form a spectacular sight as they are ignited at sundown by volunteers. Boats stocked with additional wood supplies to keep the fires burning until the wee hours keep floating to make it a truly memorable evening for the visitors. Add to it the wonderful music playing in the background and you will never ask for anything else. You are also thrown to the fragrant mixture of pine, oak and cedar creates an intoxicating smoky perfume that wafts delicately off the water. As the carefully selected score harmonizes with the crackling fires, resonates off the river bridges and streams along the walkways in perfect concert with the flickering flames, most people make a silent resolution to make another visit to this amazing event.

While most people ask for the place to get the best view of this exquisite event, it is worth mentioning that there is no bad spot from which to watch WaterFire. As it is, most people prefer to stroll down the riverside walkways, especially under the echoing bridges to view the sculpture from many angles. In fact, it is a good idea to arrive early in Providence, as crowds begin to accumulate well before sundown. As it is, you can get a peaceful atmosphere if you arrive early.

WaterFire takes place in downtown Providence on Saturdays and is usually held every fortnight during the period between May to October. For a visit to WaterFire take exit 22 from Interstate 95 North or South. You now arrive at Memorial Boulevard, which runs along the river. WaterFire is on your left after the first set of lights, and the installation extends down past the Crawford Street Bridge.

WaterFire is an excellent place to spend a romantic evening with your spouse.  As it is, the amazing sight and wonderful music work in perfect harmony, so that you enjoy each and every moment of this evening.

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