Digital Extra: The Station Fire

A reading and wreath-laying ceremony tomorrow and a memorial service Sunday will honor those affected by The Station fire.

01:00 AM EST on Wednesday, February 16, 2005

PROVIDENCE -- State officials will honor people affected by The Station nightclub fire at 6 p.m. tomorrow in the State House rotunda. The Rev. John Holt of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches will conduct a reading during the brief ceremony.

Sunday is the two-year anniversary of the 2003 disaster at The Station, which killed 100 people and injured about 200.

Senate President Joseph Montalbano and Speaker of the House William Murphy will present Governor Carcieri with a wreath that will honor those affected by the fire. The wreath will remain in the State House rotunda for one week. Victims' families, fire survivors and their families, first responders, and the public are invited.

On Sunday at 4:30 p.m., the Station Fire Memorial Foundation will hold a memorial service at the site of the fire on Cowesett Avenue in West Warwick. The service is expected to last about an hour. The governor has been invited to address the crowd.

No parking will be available at the site, except for limited handicapped parking. Free parking will be available at the lower lot of the West Warwick Civic Center on Factory Street. Pawtuxet Valley buses will provide transportation to and from the site, starting at 3:30 p.m. The last bus will leave at 7 p.m.

The nonprofit Memorial Foundation is working to ensure that The Station site is preserved with a permanent memorial.

Station fire events

TOMORROW

Benefit concert for The Station Fire Memorial: Nocturnal Sun, Beyond Blonde, Heather Rose, Delphine, Satyr (of Slugworth), Japonica, Dan Pepin (of Let Down) and The Jena Campaign, rock music, at Cats, 530 Broadway, Pawtucket, 722-0150, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Tickets, $5.

Wreath dedication ceremony to commemorate those affected by The Station nightclub fire: Governor Carcieri will lead a remembrance ceremony at 6 p.m. in the State House Rotunda. The Rev. John Holt of the Rhode Island Council of Churches will conduct a reading.

Senate President Joseph Montalbano and House Speaker William Murphy will present Governor Carcieri with a wreath honoring those affected by the fire. The wreath will remain in the State House Rotunda for one week.

Victims' families, survivors and their families, first responders and all those affected by the fire are invited. Open to the public.

TOMORROW THROUGH SUNDAY

Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show, Rhode Island Convention Center, 1 Sabin St., Providence. The show includes a garden of remembrance and healing for Station fire victims. Hours: Tomorrow through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets: $16; $14 seniors and students; $7 for children 7 to 12.

SUNDAY

Memorial service: The Station Fire Memorial Foundation will hold a memorial service at the site of The Station fire, Cowesett Avenue, West Warwick, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Governor Carcieri will offer reflection at the service. The service culminates in lighting of the heart made by survivor Paul Bertolo, unveiled at last year's ceremony.

There is no parking at the site, with the exception of limited first-come, first-served handicapped parking. Free parking is available in the lower lot of the West Warwick Civic Center, Factory Street; buses will run to and from the site from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

Airing of the play They Walk Among Us at the Stadium Theatre, Monument Square, Woonsocket. This is the premiere of a filmed version of the play written by Nick O'Neill, the youngest Station fire victim. Also premiering: 41, a short film about strange and miraculous signs people have experienced since the fire. 7 p.m. Tickets, $10; all proceeds benefit the Nick O'Neill-Encore Repertory Company Scholarship Fund. For information, call (401) 762-4545.

Benefit for the Station Family Fund: Hot and cold buffet, music and entertainment, including Tom Conte, lead singer of the former band Fathead, at Coventry/West Greenwich Elks Lodge 2285, 42 Nooseneck Hill Rd., West Greenwich, from 1 to 4 p.m. Donation, $25. For information, call (401) 397-3700 or (401) 397-9491.

MONDAY

Blood Drive sponsored by NBC 10/WJAR-TV and B101 in the Grand Ballroom of the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Crossings, Warwick, to remember those who died in the fire. Come between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. or call the Rhode Island Blood Center to make an appointment for another time if necessary at 1-800-283-8385.

FRIDAY, Feb. 25

Benefit concert for The Station Family Fund: Tesla, Shinedown and Vanilla Fudge featuring Pat Travers and Carmine Appice, rock music, at the Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence. 421-2787, www.ppacri.org, 7 p.m. Tickets, $35 to $50.