Second Beach Bonfire Draws Big Wednesday Crowd

It was a little touch-n-go in the beginning, but after some gusty ember-whipping-winds tapered off, and the sun disappeared somewhere behind St. George's School up the hill, the massive 12-foot bonfire that all came to see on Second Beach remained on its best behavior the rest of the night.

The Parks & Recreation Department Second Beach bonfires, which are free and open to the public, have become a big hit among families this season. About 75 people came out from all over Aquidneck Island Wednesday night to gather for a quiet and toasty evening 'round the fire.

As lilted island guitar anthems played in the background, kids darted between lifeguard chairs, twirled glow sticks and raced through the sand, while others shared blankets with parents and siblings, staring into the hypnotic snap-crackle-and-pop of the glowing embers—all under the protective eyes of Middletown's police and fire departments who remained nearby to ensure the safety for all.

"Normally we have these (bonfires) on Fridays and those crowds are bigger, but we've had a real nice showing for a Wednesday night," said Middletown Parks and Recreation Director Timothy Shaw. "I'm pleased."

"It's out very own 'Waterfire,'" mused one parent.

In addition to the massive 12-foot wide entrenched bonfire, the town Parks and Recreation Department and other organizations like the Substance Abuse Task Force typically provide fun activities for the kids, such as face painting, coloring booths, and games at the event. And, by the end of the night, the firefighters also let those kids (and adults) who've stayed until the very end hold the fire hose to help douse the big fire.

The town's final bonfire of the summer will take place Wednesday, September 2 just before Labor Day. That bonfire will also include a ceremony to honor town volunteers, said Shaw. After that, the next one won't happen again until the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.

For more information, please visit the Middletown Parks and Recreation Department web site or call (401) 847-1993.