Governor Carcieri will host a public celebration of Rhode Island Independence Day at Camp Fogarty in East Greenwich on Saturday, May 3, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

All units of the Rhode Island Militia — Gloucester Light Infantry, The Artillery Company of Newport, Kentish Guards, Pawtuxet Rangers, Bristol Train of Artillery, United Train of Artillery, Varnum Continentals, Warren Federal Blues, 14th RI Heavy Artillery and 1st RI Light Artillery — will gather for a review. They will perform historical drills, fife and drum selections and hold an encampment.

Families are invited to bring a picnic and enjoy the festivities at no cost.

The program will begin at 11 a.m. with a formal review of the militia by the governor and Adjutant Gen. Robert T. Bray of the Rhode Island National Guard.

The event will include recognition of the winner of the student essay contest, “The Historic Significance of Rhode Island Independence Day: Through the Eyes of Colonial Youth.” Middle school students were asked to take on the persona of a youth living in the year 1776 and write a letter describing daily activities and events leading up to Rhode Island declaring its independence.

Rhode Island declared sovereignty from Great Britain on May 4, 1776.