Waterfires

This is the Providence, Rhode Island skyline during a performance of Waterfires, on the Woonasquatucket River, which runs through the city. This spectacular sight was started about 1993 as part of the revitalization of the city's downtown waterfront area. I was with my friend Dick tonight, on the 5th floor of a building under construction, which gave this spectacular view. Piles of wood are placed on "braziers" floating in the river, then as darkness falls, boats painted black, with volunteers dressed in black, move down the river and ignite the wood fires. All this in the presence of mysterious music playing all along the river. Thousands of people line the riverbanks to view this event, which happens about every three weeks during the summer season. It is a sight to behold!