Colonials and Cocktails fundraiser for the semiquincentennial

I recently attended the Colonials and Cocktails event, a fundraiser supporting the West Warwick 250th Commission’s preparations for the 2026 United States semiquincentennial celebrations.

We were in the West Warwick Country Club, which is a beautiful setting. It was inspiring to see a community come together to honor our nation’s history while spotlighting West Warwick’s unique place in it.

We stepped into a specific night in 1775, when the local newspaper announced the selection of a certain gentleman from Virginia to become the head of the Continental Army. 

  

The evening was steeped in colonial spirit, from the elegant 1775 fashion show to the lively colonial dance led by the Pawtuxet Rangers. Their presence reminded us that history is not just something we read about, it surrounds us. And it’s something we recognize together here in Rhode Island. Watching the Rangers in their authentic militia attire brought such vibrancy and meaning to the night.

The bar offered colonial-themed cocktails like "Paul Revere's Ride," and guests soaked in the historic ambiance. We even got to join in with a photo area and costumes from Broadway productions. I got to wear a hat that once graced Gaston of Beauty and the Beast.

There was a nice, somewhat anachronistic spread for the occasion. We probably wouldn't have enjoyed 

Attending Colonials and Cocktails felt like being part of something bigger: a community honoring its past while building toward an exciting future. I left the night energized and grateful for the passion and dedication of everyone involved in the West Warwick 250th Commission.

The video I got wasn't the best quality, but I got enough of the 1775 fashion show that you should be able to see it all. They're separated by type of clothing (that is, based on class and occasion (everyday vs. special). 

There are more clips and videos on my YouTube page.