Narragansett Cancels Calamari Festival Due To Storms

NARRAGANSETT, RI — Narragansett's calamari cookoff and music events Friday and Saturday have been canceled due to an impending storm, the town's chamber of commerce said on its website Thursday night.

The statewide Rhode Island Calamari Festival has grown into one of Narragansett’s biggest events, serving more than 1,500 pounds of calamari while drawing in thousands of people from across southern New England. This would have been the seventh year the festival was held.

The decision to cancel was made as the expected tropical storm has turned into a category one hurricane with the potential for strong winds, officials said.

The cancellation also comes as officials said the large tent needed for events throughout the weekend poses "significant safety concerns documented by the tent company," though it is unclear what those safety concerns are.

Refunds will be issued to all ticket holders for Calamari Fest, officials said. Some events occurring in town as part of Gansett Days are still expected to continue. These events are outlined on Narragansett's website.

"Thank you all for your support in the planning of this event," the Narragansett Chamber of Commerce wrote. "We know this is less than ideal, but the safety of our attendees, our vendors, our staff, and all that would be visiting this weekend is our main concern."