Movement to Resurrect Quahog Festival Begins

Rhode Island and quahogs are synonymous.

So why isn’t there an annual quahog festival? For many, it’s a shucking shame.

Now, a group of motivated locals is trying to spearhead an effort to bring back the International Quahog Festival, which once brought scores to North Kingstown to revel in the Ocean State’s favorite shellfish (next to Perry Raso’s oysters at the Matunuck Oyster Bar).

The group has started a Facebook page, launched a website and is planning its first meeting on May 2 at 1:30 p.m. at the Beach Rose Cafe in Wickford.

“The movement has begun! We’re working to bring back the International Quahog Festival to Wickford in 2016 and we need YOUR HELP!” a post on the group’s Facebook page states. “Let’s start making a plan to get this thing off the ground! Please respond here if you’re interested and able to make the meeting - thanks!”

The plan is to have the festival ready for 2016. The idea is to have a parade, live music, lots of good food, family fun and even a “best stuffie” competition.

The first festival was held in 1983. After a number of years, the festival died out but now, with North Kingstown and the Wickford community trying to elevate the town’s tourism and recreational assets, reviving the festival makes a lot of sense, organizers say.

“One of the wonderful things about living in a small town is the sense of community.
Getting to know your neighbors, 4th of July fireworks, and celebrating all this is unique to your little piece of the world,” the group’s website states.

For more information, visit: http://www.internationalquahogfestival.com/