Daffodil Days, knockout tournament and more to keep busy this weekend in Newport County

Will Richmond, Newport Daily News
·3 min read

No fooling, there's plenty on tap for the weekend ahead.

As nicer weather continues to make an appearance there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the day with a mix of activities celebrating spring and Easter.

And in the background of it all is the blooming of 1,300,000 daffodils all over Aquidneck Island, so even if you're not up for an event you can head out and enjoy the pops of yellow that will brighten up the day.

Take a look at these four events in Newport County and one that may be worth the drive for this weekend.

Daffodil Days begin

UPDATE: Due to an inclement weather forecast, Daffodil Days Opening ceremony followed by the Doggy "Paw-rade" have been moved to Sunday, April 2 beginning at noon on Bannister's Wharf.

The Historic Clarke Cooke House on Bannister’s Wharf will be the scene on Saturday for a dazzling daffy musket salute by the Artillery Company of Newport that signals the beginning of Newport’s Daffodil Days. Newport’s mayor and the 2023 Daffodil Queen and family will then cut the Daffodil Garland and proclaim the official start to this month’s festivities at this free event beginning at noon.

Daffodils as far as the eye can see.
Daffodils as far as the eye can see.

Daffy music and fun activities with treats for young and old alike. Look for the big waving Daffodil to greet you and enjoy the Paw-rade at 12:15 p.m. as dogs dressed in yellow march from Bannister's Wharf to Queen Anne Square.

Visit newportinbloom.org for a full schedule of events throughout April.

Art celebrates Earth Month

DeBlois Gallery, 134 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown, will hold an opening reception on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. for its latest show HOME.

The show is a collaboration of 11 artists working together to honor the beauty of the planet and celebrate Earth Month. The show features the work of Jillian Barber, Shawndavid Berry, Rachel Brask, Laura White Carpenter, David Chatowsky, Shane Dorey, Mandy Howe, Mary Jameson, Meredith LeBlanc, Manjula Padmanabhan and Nick Williams.

Visit debloisgallery.com for more information.

Become a knockout champion

Break out the sneakers and get ready for an epic day of competition and community spirit, all benefiting Newport Youth Basketball at a knockout tournament on Sunday at Rogers High School.

Whether a seasoned player or just a casual fan, this game is for you. Starting at 11 a.m., games will begin and continue until we have our champion. Each round, the winner advances to the next level. The last player standing takes home the grand prize and bragging rights of being Newport's knockout champion.

This is a great opportunity to socialize, have fun, and make a positive impact on the lives of Newport's youth. Your support will help us achieve our mission of making competitive basketball accessible to all of Newport's youth, and help remove the financial obstacles that stand in the way.

Registration is $10 or donate or sponsor a player via Venmo @nptyouthhoops or by purchasing a ticket and register as "Sponsor."

Newport Night Run

The Newport Night Run is a Race for Education that benefits the Newport Public Education Foundation and is Newport's only after-hours road race.

This event is a 5k that will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, and both starts and finishes at Rogers High School.

Headlamps, bright colors and glow sticks are strongly encouraged.

For more information visit newportnightrun.com.

A real Easter egg hunt

Tired of brightly colored Easter eggs filled with jelly beans? Looking for more of a challenge?

The Audubon offers a fun alternative to the same old Easter Egg Hunt. Children, ages 3 to 10, hunt for brown eggs in a natural setting at Powder Mill Ledges Wildlife Refuge, 12 Sanderson Road, Smithfield, and quickly learn how well the eggs camouflage. Prizes are awarded to all children, with grand prizes given to the finders of the “golden eggs.” Participants are asked to bring a basket. This event is held rain or shine, please dress for the weather. Advance registration is required, visit asri.org/calendar

Check-in at 9:30 am, Egg Hunt begins promptly at 10 a.m.; Fee: $5/member child; $7/non-member child. Ages 3 – 10.

For more information visit asri.org.

This article originally appeared on Newport Daily News: Things to do in Newport weekend of April 1-2: Daffodil days, knockout