One of my favorite people on the planet is back with a guest post about a fun-tastic event this weekend in Providence’s Valley neighborhood…

The Steel Yard

Winter, spring, summer, or fall…I am fond of them all! I hate to say goodbye to summer but I really look forward to autumn. In a region where seasons tend to overlap (or seem to reverse like a game of UNO!), transition is rarely easy. Lucky for all the sweater weather aficionados, there are plenty of activities and favorite haunts to look forward to in every corner of this state. Just when I think my seasonal list of go-to’s is complete, someone will rave about a new addition to try. While I am partway through my list, one of my favorite fall rituals is happening this weekend and I am so excited because it will be an all-new experience. Most people have similar ideas of ideal fall outings. Pumpkin patch? Yes! Apple-picking? Check! Corn maze? Of course!  Hayride? Affirmative! Baking marathon? Weekly! When I tell people about going to the Iron Pour, they often give me a quizzical look. But what better way to spend an autumnal evening than with skilled artisans entertaining you with molten metal? 

If you are not already familiar with The Steel Yard, this is a fantastic way to learn about this organization. The Steel Yard offers classes in welding, jewelry, ceramics and more. I had the pleasure of taking a tour there a few years ago to learn about the artists, the classes and all they have to offer including the Halloween Iron Pour. Since then, whenever I see an amazing gate, bike rack, bench, etc. in the community I check to see if it has the telltale logo of forging tongs that tells you it was made by a Yardie.

The Iron Pours I have been to include The Lost Yard which had a dinosaur theme (think flaming meteor) and the Odyssey with a Greek Myth theme (Trojan Horse! Medusa! Icarus!). The events have had food trucks, entertainers, music, and artists in the past. (I found this to be a great place to buy unique gifts.) This year, I tried to buy tickets but was surprised to find this will now be part of a free event with multiple organizations: More food, more art, more music! 

The 17th Annual Iron Pour & Sims Ave Festival takes place this Saturday, October 22, from 4 to 9PM.

About The Author

Christina is a life-long Rhode Islander who has been dedicated to mission-driven human services work. A mother of two, she recycles, composts, and runs her household with solar energy. An animal lover and a world traveler, this bon vivant has jumped out of a plane, bungee jumped (twice!), run over the Newport Bridge, swum across Narragansett Bay, and penguin plunged.