Family Fun Festival Coming To Burlingame State Park Oct. 13

CHARLESTOWN, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is holding a family fun festival at Burlingame Campground during Columbus Day weekend. The event is free with a donation of a canned good or $4 per carload, with proceeds going to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank.

The Burlingame Family Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 13 and feature live music, food trucks, storytelling by the Tomaquag Museum, face painting, an art contest and giveaways.

'We invite families to get outdoors on Columbus Day weekend and enjoy a fun day together at the Burlingame Family Festival," said Janet Coit, the director of the DEM. "We're excited to welcome folks to explore nature at Burlingame State Park while enjoying arts and crafts, music and storytelling. I hope Rhode Islanders will come out to Charlestown and join us for this special fall program!"

Artists of all ages are invited to enter their artwork on the theme "carry in, carry out," reminindg Rhode Islanders to leave no trace and bring their trash home with them when they visit beaches, parks and other public spaces. Participants can bring drawings from home or draw one at the event. Prizes of donated gift certificates to local businesses, restaurants and attractions will be awarded to the winners in each of four age categories: eight and under, nine to 13, 14 to 18 and 18 and up. Submitted artwork might also be featured on the DEM's social media accounts.

There will be live music and entertainment throughout the day, starting with DJ Tommy Rosa from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. At 1 p.m., Tomaquag Museum Storyteller Thawn Harris will perform, followed by the folk duo Atwater-Donnelly from 2:30 until 5 p.m.

Other highlights of the day will include a bouncy house for kids, a free bike helmet giveaway while supplies last from the Charlestown police, food trucks, rock painting, outdoor games, giveaways and a broadcast from iHeart Media, face painting, balloon animals, pumpkin painting, tuoch-a-truck, EMT demonstrations and more.

"The Charlestown community came together with Rhode Island Parks and the DEM to build a festival filled with old-fashioned fun and lots of interactive activities," said Cindy Elder, the chief the of Rhode Island Parks Business Office. "This event shines a light on the businesses and public servants in the town of Charlestown and encourages Rhode Islanders to explore Burlingame State Park, one of the gems in our state parks system."

Attendees are asked to donate non-perishable food that is healthy and nutritious, as well as in date. Requested items include peanut butter, canned tuna, dried beans, soups and stews, cereal, pasta, brown rice, boxed macaroni and cheese, granola bars, tomato sauce and extra virgin olive oil.