http://narragansett.patch.com/announcements/celebrate-south-county-day-highlights-benefits-of-tourism

 

 

 

To the Editor:

Delectable South County fare was on the menu at the RI State House on May 7th for the 21st Annual “Celebrate South County Day . . . and the Rest of the State!” officially kicking off National Tourism Week.

The South County Tourism Council has hosted the event annually, showcasing the power of travel, and bringing recognition to the benefits of tourism as it enhances the economy and perception of our state.   

The Governor’s State Room, the House and Senate Chambers were the setting where presentations were made by Gov. Lincoln Chafee, Sen. Dennis Algiere, and Rep. Samuel Azzinaro to Ocean House’s President and Managing Director, Daniel Hostettler in recognition of the Ocean House attaining the first Forbes’ prestigious Five Star rating in the state of Rhode Island.

South County exhibitors offered a “Taste of South County” and appetizing aromas wafted throughout the State House rotunda. Food samples included: Indian pudding topped with a dollop of creamy vanilla ice cream from Aunt Carrie’s, a Thomas Jefferson sweet potato muffin from the Babcock-Smith House Museum, grilled shrimp & salsa shooters from Meadow Brook Inn, donuts and donut cake from Allie’s Donuts, seafood specialties from Greenwich Bay Oyster Bar, Johnny cakes from Kenyon’s Grist Mill, succotash from Tomaquag Museum, chowder and sweet & sour hot dogs from Yawgoo Bakes, chocolate scallop shells from Sweenor’s Chocolates, and frozen lemonade from Del’s Lemonade.

Other exhibitors highlighting the diversity of tourism offerings in South County and the rest of the state included RI Resource Conservation & Development, Nathanael Greene Homestead Association, Ocean State Waves baseball team with Splash the mascot, Sons of Liberty Spirits Co., Rhode Island’s Dressings, Charlestown and North Kingstown Chambers, along with the RI State Division of Tourism, and Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, joined us as we recognized the importance of travel and the tourism industry's economic, social, and cultural contributions to the region.

Smiling faces were seen throughout the State House rotunda as people enjoyed the first frozen lemonade of the season, sampled warm Johnny cakes and learned about the many delights of tourism in South County and the rest of the state.

 

Sincerely,

Myrna George

President & CEO, South County Tourism Council