EDITORIAL
Your help needed with 350th bash

Three hundred-fifty years ago the colonists purchased Conanicut Island from the Narragansett Indians. A major island-wide celebration is being planned this summer to commemorate the historic event.

A committee has been formed to oversee what is shaping up to be a week-long celebration. If all goes well there will be a number of community happenings staged from Aug. 11 through Aug. 19.

Already on the schedule is the Chamber of Commerce's Night at the Light, which will be held at Foxhill Farm on Aug. 11 to raise money for the restoration of the Dutch Island Lighthouse.

On Aug. 18, intrepid sailors will take to the water at East Ferry for the Jamestown Yacht Club's annual Fools' Rules Regatta, which will observe its 30th anniversary this year.

It is hoped that many of the island's community and civic organizations will stage their own events during the celebration week. Some of the ideas include a parade, fireworks, a family picnic and kite-flying day, and a possible dedication of the new Town Hall. Other suggestions include a garden tour or flower show, a sailing regatta, an art exhibit, and music concerts.

All ideas and events are welcome! Be creative. All island organizations are invited to send a representative or two to the next meeting of the 350th anniversary committee at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 15. The group will meet at the Jamestown library.

- Jeff McDonough