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PVD Tree Lighting & Big Changes in Pawtucket

PVD Tree Lighting & Big Changes in Pawtucket

Holiday magic kicks off Friday, McCoy's future takes shape, and you can earn gift cards by sharing insights for RI’s health initiatives.

Oscar Punchak
November 29, 2024

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Good morning, Providence. This is PVD Current, the newsletter that’s like holiday lights for your inbox.

What to expect in today’s Current:

🎄 Tree lighting kicks off Friday
✨ Independent Man returns soon
⚾ McCoy Stadium demolition planned

Let’s get to it.

— Oscar Punchak

Coastal Cafe Chronicles

Where I Tried: White Electric Coffee (711 Westminster St, Providence, RI 02903)

What I ordered: Small iced mocha with oat milk + blueberry muffin

What it cost: $11.61

White Electric is a pretty spacious, well-decorated space. They have plenty of parking around, and their prices are comparable to most other cafes I’ve highlighted. The mocha was great and definitely on the larger side of the small sizes I’ve seen, which is always nice. The blueberry muffin was good as well. They have many options for drinks and pastries and plenty of spots to sit inside. They even have dried bouquets for sale inside. I’ve been familiar with White Electric because I went to Classical, but I didn’t like coffee then - so I’d only had bagels from them before this. I recommend checking them out.

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Currents & Waves

🎄 Providence Tree Lighting Festivities

Providence will host its annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at City Hall on December 6, 2024, featuring performances by youth choirs, a Santa-led parade, and a concert by Chachi Carvalho. The event, part of the city’s Three Nights of Lights celebration, also includes holiday markets, illuminated art installations, and family-friendly activities. Mayor Brett Smiley invites the community to enjoy events throughout December, such as artisan markets, plays, and interactive experiences. Food vendors and eco-friendly practices, including tree recycling into mulch, highlight the city’s commitment to sustainability. Details about additional events can be found at ThreeNightsofLights.com.

✨ Independent Man’s Return

Rhode Island’s iconic Independent Man statue will return to the Statehouse dome between December 12-20 after undergoing extensive repairs and gilding. The 800-pound bronze and gold-plated statue, removed in 2023 due to a damaged marble base, has been on public display since May and will be viewable until December 9. Delayed marble shipments pushed the reinstallation timeline, but the statue will soon resume its place atop the dome, initially hidden by scaffolding for final touch-ups. Last renovated in 1975, the statue symbolizes Rhode Island’s values and was originally installed in 1899.

⚾ McCoy Stadium Demolition Begins

Pawtucket’s McCoy Stadium, former home of the PawSox, will be demolished starting March 2025 to make way for a new high school. The project, funded by a $330 million bond approved by voters, will include relocating a sewer line and creating a 482,500-square-foot facility to replace two aging high schools. Vacant since the PawSox moved to Worcester in 2021, the stadium’s demolition follows a memorabilia auction benefiting local charities and plans for a commemorative park honoring former team owner Ben Mondor. Construction crews are set to mobilize in February.

Weekend Events

🎥 The Room with Live Shadowcast | 9 PM, Nov 29 (Learn more)
- Location: AS220 Main Stage and Gallery
- Description: Experience The Room like never before with a live shadowcast performance by The RKO Army!
🎄 A Christmas Carol | Nov 23 – Dec 29 (Learn more)
- Location: Trinity Rep
- Description: Trinity Rep’s beloved holiday tradition returns with a reimagined take on Ebenezer Scrooge’s journey of redemption.
🍅 Providence Flea Holiday Night Market | Nov 29 (Learn more)
- Location: Farm Fresh RI
- Description: This unique marketplace features carefully selected small businesses offering handmade and vintage goods.
🎄 Holiday Lights Spectacular | Nov 24 - Jan 4 (Learn more)
- Location: Roger Williams Park Zoo
- Description: Walk through a winter wonderland where over 3.5 million twinkling lights light up the Zoo.
🎨 Grinch with LED Lights! | Nov 29, 7 PM – 9:30 PM (Get Tickets)
- Location: Paint & Vino
  Description: Create your own 16×20 inch Grinch masterpiece in this fun, festive in-studio painting session with complimentary drinks and LED lights for a magical twist!
🍅 Pawtucket Farmers Market | Nov 29 (Learn more)
- Location: Jordan’s Jungle
- Description: Check out all of Pawtuckets favorite local vendors
😂 Family Friendly Comedy Show | Nov 29 (Learn more)
- Location: Bring Your Own Improv
- Description: This interactive improv show invites audience participation through applause, suggestions, or joining the performers on stage.
😂 Caffeinated Insomniacs | Nov 29 (Learn more)
- Location: Bring Your Own Improv
- Description: This interactive improv show invites audience participation through applause, suggestions, or joining the performers on stage.
😂 Scott Seiss | Nov 29 & Nov 30 (Learn more)
- Location: Comedy Connection
- Description: Comedy sensation Scott Seiss, known for his "Angry Retail Guy" videos, brings his sharp, energetic humor to the stage with stories of customer service and more.
👚 FADED: Vintage Night Market | 4 PM, Nov 30 (Learn more)
- Location: Farm Fresh RI
- Description: Shop from 70 vendors of vintage clothing, Y2K, thrift finds, streetwear, and more! Plus DJs, food, and drinks for a full night experience!
🎄 Christmas on the Hill | 2 PM, Nov 30 (Learn more)
- Location: DePasquale Plaza
- Description: Join in on the annual Christmas tree lighting!
🍅 Providence Flea Holiday Sundays | Dec 1 (Learn more)
- Location: Farm Fresh RI
- Description: This unique marketplace features carefully selected small businesses offering handmade and vintage goods.