March 2007...............11 West Main St. Wickford, RI 02852...............Phone: 401-294-3576

Dear Lori,

Spring has sprung in Wickford. It's great to see folks sweeping their storefronts, putting new spring merchandise in window displays, flinging open their front doors as if to say "Come on in... we've missed you!!" And it definetly was a kick to finally get my hands dirty planting pansies yesterday. But even though it appeared to be a sleepy March up to this point I can't say we've sat still a bit. Everyone knows, we like to LIVE OUT LOUD. March has been no exception- from the St Paddy's Day Parade Party at Kim's in Newport to my Bday gala last week... and then of course, this Friday night you'll see the Beauty and the Bath gals supporting their favorite band, Rugburn, as the Harborside opens it's doors for the '07 season. Yes, we love parades, neighborhood happenings, and a good cause. You are invited to join us at every invent. So grab your calender and save-the-dates....

My friend Susie and the girls are celebrating their 19th (whew) Birthday at the Different Drummer with their annual sale that runs for one week in April. There's always great bahhgains and amusing finds.

Camouflage Egg Hunt

March 31, 2007 @ 10am in Bristol Sponsored by Audubon Environmental Education Center . This Camouflage Egg Hunt is an alternative to the traditional Easter egg hunt. The event is fun as well as educational. Children, ages 3 to 10, hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting and quickly learn how well they camouflage. Prizes are awarded to all children with grand prizes given to the finders of the “golden eggs”.

First Friday in April

This month, we're doing "Everything but the Boy" Pre Prom Event from 4-7pm on April 6th. Beauty and the Bath will have makeup artist Jeanette Obrien demonstrating creative makeup techniques for that special night. The Different Drummer will offer ideas for "up-do's" featuring their fun hair accessories. At Midnight Sun you can get a peek at their great selection of fancy dresses, wraps and shoe inspirations. A florist from Wickford Flowers will be on hand to give advice and ideas about flowers for you and your date. Other prom service literature will be available for transportation and photography as well. All of the mentioned business are also accepting donations of gently worn formal wear for "Fairy Tale Dreams http://fairytaledreamsprogram.com/", a program that offers wedding and prom attire to women and girls who otherwise cannot afford them. log on to wickfordvillage.org for details.

Clean up day at Smith's Castle

Saturday April 21, noon- 4pm. Join Smith's Castle volunteers for a day of sprucing up the Castle, Annex, and grounds in preparation for the upcoming season. Coffee and donuts will get you started in the morning and a hearty soup for lunch will keep you going all afternoon.

Party for the Planet: Earth Day at Roger Williams Park Zoo

Sunday April 22 -Celebrate Earth Day at Roger Williams Park Zoo with fun environmentally-themed activities, presentations, displays and more. Activities are free with regular zoo admission. For more information For more information visit the Party for the Planet page.

Wickford Village Spring Weekend April 28th and 29th

Both days will include the following:

Face Painting at Old Library Park beginning at noon
On the deck – in front of American Bay Outfitters, A Bit of the West, and Midnight Sun – Spring story-telling 12pm, 2pm, and 4pm
Wickford Art Association will have art submitted from local school children presented in shop windows
Music (TBA) through the town
Local historian Tim Cranston will be giving Historic Walking Tours (times and meeting location tba)
Wickford Gourmet – music outside from 12pm – on, outdoor grilling, popcorn machine
Narragansett Church – open w/tours by Docents
St. Paul’s will have activities (tba) on the green both days and Youth Choral Groups performing on Sunday

Shops will be collecting foods for the RI Food Bank (non-perishable items, proteins, etc). Anyone making a donation will receive a ticket for 5% of purchases at all participating shops.

Around Town...

As many of you know by now, Wickford Gourmet's Wickford Brownie was featured as a Snack of the Day on the Rachael Ray Show last Thursday! The secret's out about the decadent local treasure!!

There's a couple of great new specialty stores in the village. A new toy store called Creatoyvity, Ocean State Chocolates and a new cigar shop.. some new and different offerings!!

Need to fill those grandbabies' Easter baskets???