PROVIDENCE, R.I. — On Nov. 30 at City Hall, Providence will formalize a friendship with Ayr, Scotland, ending the city’s first St. Andrew’s Weekend, a four-day Scottish celebration that starts Friday, Nov. 27. Mayor Brett Smiley announced the plan Tuesday, Nov. 10, at Track 15.
The link grew out of this summer’s World Cup, when the city ran 39 days of FanZone events that brought over 150,000 people to Station Park. Organizers worked with Scottish supporters to host thousands of soccer fans who packed restaurants and bars, marched through downtown and raised money for Hasbro Children’s Hospital. After going home, the fans urged South Ayrshire Council to make the connection official.
Under the pact, the two places will have a formal channel for work on tourism, business growth, and cultural and school exchanges. Working groups in both countries have begun exploring how local companies, students and arts organizations might link up. Officials from South Ayrshire’s government are due in Providence for the signing.
State General Treasurer James Diossa, Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan, who represents Ward 5, and GoProvidence President and CEO Kristen Adamo joined the mayor at the announcement. Smiley said the Scots filled local businesses and gave back to the community, and that the pact gives the city a way to keep the friendship going.
The goodwill has already had a charitable side. GoProvidence and the Rhode Island Sports Commission gave $5,000 to a Glasgow children’s hospital charity, Providence bars and restaurants matched it, and nearly $15,000 in total was presented to the charity, which serves South Ayrshire communities.
Several Providence venues are planning Scottish-themed promotions for the weekend. Track 15 plans a curling sheet and whisky specials, G Pub will take 25 percent off food for anyone wearing a Scotland jersey, and Hot Club is running a photo contest with a beer-a-day prize for December. GoProvidence lists a St. Andrew’s Day celebration with street curling and live bagpipes on Sunday, Nov. 29, at 11:30 a.m. Members of the Tartan Army supporters group plan to travel to the city for the weekend.
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