Providence Entertainment Examiner January 28, 2012

Providence’s WaterFire named one of the world’s best after the dark destinations Anthony Faccenda  

Providence Entertainment Examiner Arts & Entertainment | January 28, 2012 By Anthony Faccenda

Providence's WaterFire named one of the world's best after dark destinations Providence’s WaterFire was just named one of the top after dark spots in the world by the travel website Smarter Travel. WaterFire ranked 5 out of 10, beating out classic after dark destinations like Paris and Singapore. Providence finished behind locations like Yosemite Falls At Night and the Taiwan’s’ Shilin Night Market, which took the top spot. Smarter Travel praised WaterFire’s unique appeal by stating: "When fire meets water on warm nights in Providence, magic happens. Crowds begin gathering along the banks of Providence's three rivers before dusk to secure front-row seats to WaterFire, a spectacle of firetenders (torch bearers) slipping slowly downstream in boats, lighting each of more than 80 floating bonfires. Each performance has its own soundtrack that is selected by Barnaby Evans, the artist responsible for the event. WaterFire events usually occur on Saturday evenings between late May and early October."

WaterFire has been seen by more than 10 million people since it debuted in 1994. Credits: Barnaby Evans

Providence’s WaterFire has also inspired cities like Kansas City and Columbus to create similar nighttime exhibitions. WaterFire was launched in Providence in 1994 by award-winning artist Barnaby Evans. Evans’ project received great recognition in 1997 when the Providence Journal called WaterFire the “most popular work of art ever created in the capital city’s 371-year history.” Since then, the event's scale and audiences have expanded; making WaterFire a mustsee for Rhode Islanders and out-of-towners looking to catch of glimpse of Providence’s most renowned attraction. Check out WaterFire every Saturday night when it kicks off in late May and runs through October. Lighting usually occurs 20 minutes past sunset and continues until shortly after midnight. For more information visit WaterFire.org.