Waterfire Providence is an award winning sculpture by Barnaby Evans installed on the three rivers of downtown Providence. Praised not only by Rhode Island residents, but visitors, from all across the world, Waterfire is indeed a magnificent work of art, as well as a brilliant testimony to this amazing movement. In light of the one hundred sparkling bonfires and the fragrant scent of aromatic wood smoke, the flickering firelight on the arched bridges is very much instrumental in creating the wonderful environment which is a major draw of this fiesta.

The silhouettes of the fire tenders passing by the flames, the torch-lit vessels traveling down the river, and the enchanting music from around the world engage all the senses and emotions of those who take a stroll along the paths of WaterPlace Park. The popularity of WaterFire as a major tourist attraction can be judged from the fact that, it has been able to attract over ten million visitors, bringing life to downtown, and revitalizing Rhode Island’s capital city.

No WaterFire event can be complete without mentioning the immense contribution made by the volunteers. As it is, WaterFire volunteers are an essential part of the event. These volunteers assist in all aspects of the event, right from running the event, to special projects on other days. As ti is WaterFire volunteers engage in a wide range of areas, from construction, to fire tending, merchandise sales, computer support, street performers, stage managers, flower arranging, reception hosting, as well as boat captains.

A WaterFire event can offer opportunity to more than a hundred volunteers in a variety of different activities. Volunteers involve in activities such as preparing the river and park for the evening’s event, setting up receptions, and even help in constructing stages. Later on, the volunteers create a ceremonial communal presence, along with the commendable job of keeping the fire alive. Dressed up in black, in order to be a part of the night, these volunteers are instrumental in carrying out the wonderful job of carrying forward the legacy, by coming together to build community through firelight.

The volunteers who are working as fire tenders are not behind the scenes, but rather, you are actually performers and are an integral part of the WaterFire sculpture. Volunteers form an inseparable part of the WaterFire fiesta. True to the spirit of WaterFire, these volunteers are the ones out on the river weaving the magic tending the fires during the night, and on shore welcoming visitors from far and wide. As it is, you too can contribute to the cause by extending voluntary help. As a volunteer you can also help in assisting with the VIP receptions, as well as helping to manage performance stages, apart from working at a Luminaria station.

However, this should not give you the impression that volunteering is all work and no play. As a volunteer you can engage in a number of fun activities, even between lightings. Activities like potluck dinners, parties, and other interesting events or projects go on throughout the year, for the volunteers who extend their services at WaterFire.

Tags: volunteering for waterfire, volunteering opportunities, Waterfire Providence