FIFA World Cup, Fan Zones, and Federal Hill: Rick Simone on RI's Big Summer

On this week's episode Deb and Steve spoke with Rick Simone, the Deputy Director of the Providence Tourism Council, President of the Federal Hill Commerce Association, President of the RI Small Business Coalition, and a member of the Board of Directors of Waterfire. Rick discussed Rhode Island's summer events, highlighting the St. Joseph's Feast on Federal Hill, which drew 50,000 people over three days, and Al Fresco on the Hill, a 10-week event with 34 participants. He emphasized the PVD Fan Zone, an official FIFA fan site with 39 days of activities, including live entertainment and food trucks and the Summer of Soccer tailgate events on Federal Hill. He also noted the increased Waterfire lightings and the 250th U.S. anniversary celebration on July 4. Then the conversation shifted to the importance of reading - a quieter activity, noting a resurgence in interest with a recent reading party at a New York public library.