News Summary
The 32nd annual Holiday Lighting ceremony for the Big Blue Bug took place in Providence, RI, featuring the ceremonial lighting of Nibbles Woodaway. Hosted by Geraldine Perry, the event drew families together and highlighted local charity contributions from Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Rhode Island. The Big Blue Bug, a 58-foot long iconic landmark, continues to be a cherished symbol of the community. With festive decorations and a history in popular culture, it serves as a seasonal favorite for locals and visitors alike.
Providence, Rhode Island – Holiday Cheer Lights Up with Nibbles Woodaway
The 32nd annual Holiday Lighting ceremony for the Big Blue Bug took place in Rhode Island on Monday night at 6 p.m. This festive event was held in the parking lot of Big Blue Bug Solutions and marked a celebratory occasion for many families and attendees.
Geraldine Perry, who holds the distinction of naming the beloved Nibbles Woodaway in 1990, served as the celebrity lighter for the evening. The ceremony included the ceremonial lighting of Nibbles, who is a prominent feature on the Providence skyline. As the lights illuminated Nibbles, attendees enjoyed the festivities and recognized the charitable efforts of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Rhode Island, highlighting their strong commitment to assisting children in the community.
The Big Blue Bug is a massive fiberglass replica, measuring 58 feet long, 9 feet tall, and weighing approximately 4,000 pounds. Originally painted purple, time and weather factors led to the bug fading to blue, a hue that has since become synonymous with its identity. The decision to keep the blue coloring aligns with how the public has embraced the bug as the ‘Big Blue Bug’.
Iconic Landmark of Rhode Island
Installed around 45 years ago by New England Pest Control, which has since rebranded as Big Blue Bug Solutions, the Big Blue Bug has become one of the most recognizable landmarks in New England. Frequently used for directional reference, locals and visitors alike often say, “if you pass the Big Blue Bug, you know you’ve gone too far.”
Touted as the world’s largest artificial bug and specifically the World’s Largest Big Blue Bug, it has gained fame not just for its size but also for its seasonal decorations. The Big Blue Bug is known for dressing up in various costumes, such as reindeer antlers during the Christmas season and even donning the attire of “The Incredible Hulk” during Rhode Island Comic Con.
Construction and Design
The conceptual design of the Big Blue Bug can be credited to Steve Goldman, with the physical creation executed by George Cardono. The entire project is estimated to have cost around $30,000, which was a significant investment for a whimsical landmark of its nature.
The Big Blue Bug has made appearances in popular culture, notably featured in films like “Dumb and Dumber”. In 2002, a refurbishment of the Big Blue Bug sparked briefly significant concern among local drivers who relied on it as a crucial visual marker for navigation. The bug’s prominent visibility from Interstate 95 continues to affirm its status as a local icon.
Durable and Safe
Ensuring the longevity of this landmark, the Big Blue Bug is designed to be hurricane-proof. It is securely attached to the building’s support girders, which also helps to deter any potential vandalism.
As the holiday season approaches, the annual lighting ceremony remains a cherished event for families and the greater Rhode Island community. Nibbles Woodaway continues to serve as a festive reminder of local spirit, creativity, and community charity as well as a beloved fixture in the Rhode Island landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Trinity Repertory Company Announces 2025-26 Season Lineup
Additional Resources
- WBSM: Big Blue Bug Previous Color
- ABC6: 32nd Big Blue Bug Lighting
- PCT Online: Big Blue Bug Wins Small Business Award
- ABC6: Big Blue Bug to Light Up for Holidays
- Providence Journal: World’s Largest Artificial Bug
- Wikipedia: Big Blue Bug
- Google Search: Big Blue Bugs Rhode Island
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: Big Blue Bug
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
