Slater Mill is bringing back the much-loved Labor & Ethnic Heritage Festival to be held on the grounds of Slater Mill, located at 67 Roosevelt Avenue in the heart of downtown Pawtucket on Sunday, September 7, 2008 12-5 PM. The Festival will take place during the popular and highly publicized Pawtucket Arts Festival.
Sponsored by Working Rhode Island, Amica, Hope Artiste Village, The Providence Journal, American Postal Workers Union, Construction & General Laborers Union Local 271, Rhode Island Federal Teachers & Health Professionals, United Nurses and Allied Professionals, Rhode Island Council 94 and Stone Soup, the Labor & Ethnic Heritage Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the experiences, histories, music and art of the many cultures and communities that built and continue to build Rhode Island and the nation. From 1990 through 2001 the Rhode Island Labor & Ethnic Heritage Festival became a focal point for those Rhode Islanders who were interested in sharing their stories, celebrating their heritage and embracing others. This festival brought together people from diverse backgrounds, work environments and traditions.
The Festival will include great music, featuring headliners Tao Rodriguez-Seeger (featuring Pete Seeger’s grandson, Tao), Santa Mamba and the music of Joyce Katzberg on the Working Rhode Island Stage, All Children's Theatre's Mill Girls, Keith Munslow, French Toast, Rancho Folklorica and Rhodeshow on the Stone Soup Stage, as well as activities for all ages, like the Simmons Farm petting zoo for children, vendors, exhibits and cultural demonstrations which include the AS220 Print Shop, the Steelyard, Otto D'Ambrosio & Friends, Ladies of the Rolling Pin, Sonny Roelle and Jan Doyle. Social action groups, fine craftspeople and area labor unions will also be represented.
Slater Mill will be hosting mill tours from 10-5 pm.
Admission to this event is free. For more information, visit www.slatermill.org, call 401-725-8638 or email .