Residents of East Providence are invited to the city's annual holiday celebration on Saturday, December 7, 2024, from 4 PM to 7 PM at City Hall Plaza, with a rain date set for Sunday, December 8. The announcement was made during a recent city council meeting, where council members discussed the timing of the event, noting that it coincides with a significant local basketball game.

In addition to holiday festivities, the council recognized the upcoming Diwali Festival of Lights, which will be celebrated from October 28 to November 3, 2024. This festival, significant to Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists, symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness and is marked by various cultural traditions including prayers, gift exchanges, and fireworks.

The meeting also addressed several city projects. Updates were provided on various funded initiatives, including the paving of parking lots at Parter and Burgess, which are expected to be usable soon pending the installation of fencing and lighting. Plans for upgrades at Pierce Field are underway, with a presentation to the council anticipated in the near future. The community center project is progressing, with final cost estimates expected soon.

Additionally, the council announced a Veterans Appreciation Dinner scheduled for November 13, with further details to be shared on the city’s website and social media platforms. The meeting concluded with a series of appointments to the Crescent Park Advisory Commission, all of which were unanimously approved by the council.