Group Aims to Prove Coventry has Lots to Celebrate

Let’s face it, Coventry has been getting some bad PR lately.

Yes, the town has issues with a few fire districts, but there’s a reason why many families who live in this rural but growing Rhode Island town love living here.

Many reasons, in fact. Enough to celebrate.

Enter Celebrate Coventry! — a nonpartisan volunteer organization that is working to bring free family events to town.

And the group has done more than hold meetings and talk about what could be done. They’re getting it done.

On July 7, for example, they’ll be celebrating a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the construction of the new Coventry Lumber Music Pavilion in front of the Town of Coventry Annex on Flat River Road.

The pavilion will be the focal point of the new Coventry Art Park, which the committee “envisions as a gathering place for residents and visitors and hopes that it will grow to hold numerous free events such as music concerts, art shows, craft shows, a farmer’s market and more.”

It’s a idyllic vision but it’s also quite possible. And for many, it’s a long overdue push that will work wonders in bolstering the bonds that hold this community together.

“Of course, the Music Pavilion and Art Park could not become a reality without the coming together of many of our local businesses,” said Chair Karen Carlson.

Coventry Lumber, for example, jumped at the chance to help the committee get off the ground — and the pavilion on the annex grounds.

William Finnegan, owner, “didn’t hesitate in agreeing to assit with the efforts by the donation of the music pavilion,” Carlson said.

Special nods also go to R.T. Nunes, Crossman Engineering, Doherty’s Ale House Coventry, Miller Electric and Consolidated Concrete for their donation of goods and services.

There’s also an Aug. 8 car show planned behind Town Hall at 1670 Flat River Road featuring Crusin’ Bruce Palmer.

It will be the First Annual Car Show sponsored by the Celebrate Coventry! Committee.

“We are expecting 100 to 150 cars and trucks, food, trophies and plaques,” said Mark Robitaille, Car Show Chairman. “We will have more details soon.”

Anyone interested in joining the committee or becoming a business sponsor at the Art Park is welcome to contact the Committee at CelebratingCoventry@gmail.com.

For more information, please check The Celebrate Coventry! Committee Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/CelebrateCoventry) and website (www.CelebrateCoventry.org) for updates or email to: CelebrateCoventry@gmail.com.