Hundreds of guests joined us at the Yard yesterday for the 3rd Annual and final Leadership Rhode Island’s statewide, ‘Hi Neighbor’ Block Party. We are so thankful for another year’s successful partnership with LRI and for all the work they do to enact positive change in communities across Rhode Island.
We rocked out to killer tunes from A Flying Funk and Gumption and Glory, we drank Gansett’s, played corn hole, and enjoyed some of the nicest weather we’ve had in weeks. Ate delicious BBQ and vegetarian fare from the Julians Omnibus. Drank BIG iced coffee bar by Presto Strange O Coffee Truck. Mowed down on TASTY desserts by KNEAD Doughnuts. And Cooled off with FROZEN treats by Mike’s Ice.
Young folks got their faces painted, played giant Jenga and tag, and drew chalk art on the pavement. You couldn’t ask for a nicer way to kick off the summer.
The event was sponsored by Loring Advisory Group, The Armory Revival Company, National Grid, Barrington Books & Barrington Books Retold, and IGT.
The Steel Yard is an experimental creative events space and partnerships, like the one with LRI, illustrate why we love to host events here. We are so thankful for the amazing LRI staff & volunteers. The Steel Yard attributes much of our success as an experimental & unconventional venue specifically to our partnership with LRI and we can’t wait to see what they’re planning next!
“I really credit Mike Ritz for taking the initiative (and gamble) to host such a large event at The Yard while we were still learning to spread our wings as an industrial arts venue. I feel Mike’s investment in the Yard as a community gathering space really propelled us directly into overnight success. My very first event, event coordinator, was the LRI Block Party 3 years ago and I still remember being blown away. How the heck did LRI get over 1000 people to come to The Yard on a Wednesday evening??? The ripples of that first event are still being felt today. Shortly after the first Block Party this incredible person named Sabrina contacted me about hosting a daytime hip-hop show at The Steel Yard because she had been to the LRI Block Party and thought our space was amazing. That event, Daytrill, is now in it’s third year being hosted at The Yard and is one of the most beautiful events of the year. Great Block Parties, great organization! Cheers to Mike and Matt!” Said Dave Allyn, Assistant Events Manager.
On behalf of the Steel Yard, our staff and all the rest of the Yardies- thank you Leadership Rhode Island, once again. You all rock. We’re looking forward to working with LRI in the future and for the continued meaningful impact LRI has on our whole state and community.
