Pageants, puppies and popcorn
Or crowns, cats and cotton candy! Miss Rhode Island 2015 Allie Curtis visits the East Greenwich Animal Protection League for photos and autographs on Saturday, July 18 from Noon to 2. Adoption hours run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there will be popcorn, cotton candy and other refreshments all day by Frenchy’s Popcorn. There will also be a doggie fashion show at 2. The East Greenwich Animal Protection League is located at 4302 Post Road in East Greenwich. The event is free. EGAPL.org.
Giant balloons take to the sky
The South County Hot Air Balloon Festival launches this weekend. The festival opens Friday and includes hot air balloon flights, music and circus acts. There’s even a fireworks show Saturday night at 9. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for kids 14 and under (kids under 5 are free). They’re also offering family four-packs for $25. Southcountyballoonfest.com
Japanese culture comes alive in Newport
The annual Black Ships Festival returns to Newport this weekend. On Saturday, a Japanese-American festival spills into the streets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. featuring arts and crafts, demonstrations and displays. You can also grab traditional Japanese food with the family at a number of Newport restaurants like Newport Tokyo House, Mizu Japanese Steakhouse or Mori Sushi. Newportevents.com/Blackships/
A not-so-silent movie
Summer is great for outdoor movies, but what about a silent movie with live piano accompaniment? The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence will be offering a free screening of the Charlie Chaplin classic, “The Gold Rush” with live piano accompaniment by Richard Hughes on Saturday, July 18. The outdoor movie will begin at 8:15 p.m. Seating will be provided, but blankets and coolers are welcome. The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence is located at 3 Shalom Drive in Warwick.
