NORTH SMITHFIELD – It’s the final touch on a building that will serve town residents for years to come, symbolically raised the evening before a massive parade set to celebrate North Smithfield’s 150th year.
Veterans with Leclair Kozlik Logan Bassett Post 6342 joined scouts from two local troops Friday, May 6 to ceremoniously place Old Glory atop a newly installed pole at 83 Greene St. A small audience watched as scouts with Troop 438 and 1139 North Smithfield hung both the American and POW flags with help from the veteran group.
The building – which once held Kendall Dean School – was fully renovated and has been used as town offices since 2020, but it was only this week that the property received the final touch.
“It’s a great occasion,” said Town Administrator Paul Zwolenski. “Tomorrow we’re going to have a parade to celebrate our 150th year.”
The town’s official anniversary of incorporation landed during March of 2021, but officials held off on planning large-scale celebrations due to pandemic concerns through most of the year.
That delay will be far from mind on Saturday as floats, marching bands, dignitaries and more line up along North Main Street. Parks & Recreation Program Coordinator Kate Pasquariello told NRI NOW last week that the event is on track to be the largest of its kind in town history.
The parade steps off from the intersection of North Main and Victory Highway at 10 a.m. and will travel along the highway, turning right on Greene Street before heading back to North Main and completing the two-mile loop. Read more about the event itself – including road closures that begin at 8 a.m and the four grand marshal, here.
Spectator parking will be available at the former Halliwell School, Village Haven Restaurant, St. John’s Church and Pacheco Park.
While weather for Saturday’s event looked questionable for much of the week, current forecasts show the chance of rain tapering off by 10 a.m. The parade will go on rain or shine, and the flag, now flying proudly in front of Town Hall, will be there to greet it.
