If working hard can be a lot of fun, then the Gaspee Days Committee is a prime example.

The volunteer committee is responsible for the planning of the popular Gaspee Days Parade and all the other events that draw tens of thousands of visitors to Pawtuxet Village every year for historic Gaspee Days.  Somehow, these volunteers manage to have a lot of fun in the process, and that spirit showed last week when the group installed new officers for its 60th season.

The installation ceremony, held at the Aspray Boat House, had a formal beginning with a presentation of colors by the Pawtuxet Rangers in their 18th-century militia attire. Cranston Mayor Kenneth Hopkins swore in the new officers, and commendations were given by Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi and State Rep. Joseph McNamara.

After the formalities, however, the evening was mostly an informal supper among friends.

“This really is a family,” said Erin Flynn who is taking on the role of president, a position she held in the past. “The generosity of time that we receive from our committee members is a gift. We have what so many people want to create – a sense of community.”  Flynn succeeds fellow long-time committee member Steven Miller as president for the 2024-2025 season.

Flynn said that the committee, which is always welcoming new members, consists of approximately 35 people, which is not much when you consider all they do.  The group organizes all the public events that celebrate the historic burning of the H.M.S. Gaspee, a British ship that ventured near Namquid Point in Warwick in 1772.

The month-long celebration of patriotism includes a three-day arts and crafts festival, an outdoor concert, a road race, fireworks and a colonial encampment.  The festivities culminate with the parade and a reenactment of the burning of the Gaspee.

“Getting involved is a great way to meet your neighbors while donating your time to a nonprofit,” Flynn says in her official inaugural message posted online at www.gaspee.com/about/president.

This year’s officers are:

President - Erin Flynn

1st Vice President - Natalie Abernathy

2nd Vice President - Lisa Zavala

Recording Secretary - Gina Dooley

Communications Secretary - Jan Rooney

Treasurer - Ann Marie Richards

Treasurer in Training - Amanda Tilley

Past President - Jerry Peshka

Directors - Jennifer Kious, Judy Hoffman, JoAnn Niksa and Maria Lena-Wilson