There are few traditions that capture the spirit of a Rhode Island summer quite like the Charlestown Seafood Festival. The aroma of clam cakes frying and steamers steaming drifts through the air, live music fills the park, families stroll the midway with fried dough in hand, and neighbors reconnect. From August 7-9, Ninigret Park will transform into one of New England’s most beloved summer celebrations when the annual event returns for its 41st year. Set against the backdrop of the former Naval Auxiliary landing field, the “gastronomic extravaganza” brings together everything that makes summer in the Ocean State special: fresh seafood, live entertainment, carnival rides, fireworks, craft vendors, even RV camping, and a strong sense of community.
This year’s festival features more than 100 food and retail vendors, including several newcomers. Charlestown Chamber of Commerce President Heather Paliotta points to additions like Blue Rock Catering, 401 Oyster Company, and Rhode Island Shell Fisherman as reasons seafood lovers will want to come hungry. A far cry from its humble beginnings in 1985 with just seven booths. When Paliotta took the reins in 2002, it grew to 20, and it’s been building ever since.
The festival’s impact extends far beyond the park gates. Area businesses often experience one of their busiest weekends of the year as thousands of visitors descend on South County. David Moore, proprietor of the historic General Stanton Inn, describes the festival as “a giant beacon attracting tourists from all over New England,” while nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions also benefit from the influx of visitors. Paliotta echoes that sentiment, reporting that the weekend has historically been one of the busiest of the year at the nearby The Nordic.
Yet despite its size and popularity, the Charlestown Seafood Festival remains deeply rooted in community. Hundreds of volunteers help make the weekend possible, donating countless hours in support of an event that operates as a nonprofit organization. The proceeds are turned over year-to-year to ensure event continuity; the money collected from last year’s parking donations financed $1,000 scholarships for three Chariho High School seniors, awarded in June. For longtime volunteer Jill Fonnemann, beverage manager at the Charlestown Rathskeller, the commitment is easy to understand. “It’s much more rewarding to be a part of this local event,” she says. “It’s a chance to give back to the community alongside people who feel like family.”
No one is more grateful for the level of volunteerism than Paliotta, who notes that the festival is a non-profit.
For more information, including a map, visit CharlestownSeafoodFestival.com
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