Caroline Stevens is the organizer of Doors Open RI, part of a movement of free events that allow special places within cities to open their doors for the day.
In 2017, the first festival in Providence attracted more than 4,000 people to 24 locations. This year, on Sept. 28, the event is planned for Central Falls and Pawtucket. Stevens spoke to the Providence Business News about this year’s event.
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PBN: Why did you choose Pawtucket and Central Falls?
STEVENS: It was a combination, as we were considering different cities, Pawtucket and Central Falls have a good story to tell and lots of interesting places to feature. And it’s also so close to Providence, it seemed like a place that would be a natural progression. It’s also a place just full of treasures.
PBN: Tell us about what’s on the list of locations. One of them is the dugout at McCoy Stadium.
STEVENS: McCoy Stadium is a place that’s definitely where history has been made. The longest game in baseball history, it happened right there. Also, you’re going to get access to the player’s lounge, so that should be interesting too. There are so many different kinds of places in Pawtucket ,and you can’t really tell the story of Pawtucket without talking about McCoy Stadium and the PawSox.
PBN: What is Cogswell Tower?
STEVENS: Cogswell Tower is in Central Falls, it’s on a hilltop. The site played an important role in King Phillip’s War. It’s a tower that sits above a grotto. It’s really beautiful and striking. You will be able to climb up into the tower and also go into the grotto beneath. A lot of people don’t know it’s there. It’s a very special place.
PBN: What will be different from the festival in Providence? Will the format be the same?
STEVENS: It’s self-guided, and there is something to see at every site. It’s going to be smaller than Providence. We’re also going to have a scavenger hunt, which will be fun and interactive. It’s the same format, you pick and choose where you want to go. Every place has an opportunity to inspire.
PBN: Do you have a sponsor this year?
STEVENS: We were approached by Leadership Rhode Island. Their cohort was focused on arts, culture and tourism and heritage. They were finding the biggest problem facing the sector was that they felt siloed. Instead of starting their own program, they’re throwing their resources behind ours. We are actively seeking sponsorships right now. We’re planning this one on a much shorter timeframe. Every place tells a story. This is very much a grassroots effort.
Mary MacDonald is a PBN staff writer. You may email her at MacDonald@PBN.com.
