Newport is going green for the month of March in celebration of Irish Heritage Month. Celebrate all that is Irish during this exciting month-long event featuring Celtic storytelling, Irish step-dancing, interesting lectures, afternoon teas, an Irish coffee contest, Jameson Irish whiskey tastings and a festive St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The 55th Annual Newport, Rhode Island Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held, rain, snow, or shine, on Saturday, March 12th 2011.  It will begin promptly at 11:00am from Newport City Hall and will proceed to Carroll Avenue at Saint Augustin’s Church in the heart of the Fifth Ward.  The parade this year is estimated to last 2 hours and will include 8 Pipe Bands, 9 Marching Bands, 3 Fife & Drum Corps, 3 Clown Units, 8 reenactment units, and a host of local, state, and regional organizations including police and fire units, social/fraternal organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Schools, and non-profits.

Some of the other exciting events taking place are:

Bits O’Irish Humor- featuring Blarney, leprechauns, and laughs-with The Bit Players: Newport’s Comedy Improv Troupe. Firehouse Theater, 4 Equality Park Place, Newport. BYOB.8:00pm.  All seats $15.00. Mention  Irish Heritage Month and get $5.00off each seat.

Traditional Irish Music Session- Fastnet Pub, One Broadway, Newport. Live traditional Irish music hosted by A. O. Guttierez, Tim May,  and Jack Wright. 5:00-9:00pm. 845-9311.www.TheFastnetPub.com

Bus Tour of Irish Newport- From Hibernian Hall, Wellington Avenue, Newport. Sponsored by Viking Tours and the Museum of Newport Irish History. Space limited. Reservations required. Coffee and Danish at 9:30am. Bus leaves promptly at 10:00am. Free but donations accepted. Reservations: 846-8865.

Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner- St. Augustin’s Church Hall, Carroll Avenue, Newport. Sponsored by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. 6:00pm. Tickets: $15.00. Available at Creaney Cruise & Travel 849-8956 and  Deborah Winthrop Fine Lingerie 682-2272.

For more information and Irish celebrations check out Newport Irish Heritage Month online. Bucci Insurance will surely be partaking

in the fun, hope to see you there!

Relive the story of the Polar Express this weekend in Newport, Rhode Island. Step foot on the Newport Dinner Train at 4 p.m. sharp as it departs 19 America’s Cup Ave and let the story begin! Share the magic as the Conductor reads the Chris Van Allsburg classic tale of a young boy’s unforgettable journey to the North Pole. Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, join in on the caroling, and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies, while every child who truly believes receives a special gift.

Reservations required. Adults $29.95, Children $19.95. 841-8700. www.newportdinnertrain.com

Happy Holidays from Bucci Insurance!

There’s always something to do in Newport! Next weekend head down to the southern part of our state for some “beats and bites on the waterfront” at Tastes of Rhode Island. Listen to local bands while enjoying some Rhody flavors brought to you by Stop and Shop. Saturday night join the block party, “Rock the Dock” after hours featuring theWandas. This will be great family event with contests, children’s activities, and prizes so bring everyone! Also, $1.00 from each ticket will be donated to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank so it’ll be fun and for a good cause.

For more information, visit the Newport Waterfront website, Bucci Insurance hopes to see you there!

If you have a passion for boating, a fantastic way to enjoy the last few days of summer and celebrate the coming of fall is to attend the Newport International Boat Show in Newport, Rhode Island. September 16-19^th, 2010 will mark the 40^th anniversary of this event! This year it will feature new sailboats and powerboats and thousands of products and services from both domestic and international exhibitors. Familiar with Ted Turner, Buddy Melges, Bruno Bich? These men are just a few of the guests expected to attend the Reunion of The America’s Cup 12 Metre Legends. Some of the most famous names in the race’s history will be speaking in an open-to-the-public forum that all can attend! And while you’re there, witness the “Best New Power Boat”, “Best New Sail Boat”, and “Best New Boating Product” of 2010 as it’s announced Friday September 17^th.  You can purchase tickets online- the sooner the better!

Find a boat you like at the show? Already own one? Don’t forget boater’s insurance!

Nothing to do this weekend? Well the town of Newport is calling your name. This Saturday June 5^th from 11am to 6pm, Newport will be hosting the Knorr Great Chowder Cook-off. Numerous restaurants from around the country will be heading downtown this weekend in hopes of wooing your taste buds so that you vote their clam chowder to be the best. Treat yourself to endless samples of chowder from some of the participating restaurants including, Trio, Liquid Lunch, Hammerhead Grill, and one of last year’s winners, Tony’s Seafood Restaurant.

While you roam around enjoy live music by The Ravers, a six piece Reggae band, or if you prefer the sounds of Eric Clapton and James Taylor, head over to the sunset stage in the Marina area to listen to the Foreverly Brothers. Live music will be playing all day long by several talented artists so there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

After sampling dozens of chowdah’ recipes, browse the vendors to top off your taste buds with Jerry’s Pastries Conoli’s and Cookies, or spice up your wardrobe with N.A. Flotteron Jewelry. There will be activities for children kindly provided by Amica including fun photos and chef hat decorating.

Whether it’s a day spent with the family, a partner or a friend, this event is sure to be a “wicked” good time. Tickets are $25 and children under 12 are free.  Stop by downtown Newport, Rhode Island right along the waterfront for the Knorr Great Chowder Cook-off! Members from Bucci Insurance Group will be sure to be there!

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