Governor sign executive order announcing 2016 Bay Day

By Carmen Russo
Narragansett, RI – Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order Tuesday afternoon at Roger Wheeler State Beach. While barefoot in the sand, Raimondo announced that Sunday July 24 will be 2016 Bay Day, when all state beaches will offer free admission and parking and fishing without a license will be permitted. After this year’s state budget included lowered entry fees, state beaches were filled to capacity. Raimondo hopes that Bay Day will encourage both locals and visitors to take advantage of the state coastline.

After the announcement, Raimondo made her way to Boon Street to greet local business owners.

At One Way contemporary art gallery, owner Stephen Cook showed the governor his brightly lit workshop and explained the creative inspiration he finds in the way his young nephew colors outside the lines.

At Gifts of Gansett, Paul Litwin celebrated the success he and his sister, Jaime Litwin Dowdell, have had since opening the store on Mother’s Day.

Owner and creator of Silver Tides jewelry, Amber Bettez, greeted customers with her baby son, Onyx, who was all smiles for a photo op with Raimondo. After admiring the various locally-made art and gifts on what she calls “Boomin’ Boon Street”, the Governor Raimondo enjoyed lunch at Crazy Burger.