RHODE ISLAND

Blithewold's gardens come to life as 50,000 daffodils, early blooming bulbs, trees and shrubs enchant guests with their quiet beauty and subtle scents during the annual Daffodil Days. Afternoon tea will be served in the Dining Room of the Mansion, featuring scones, savories, and sweets. Teas and other special events are held at the mansion.Information: www.blithewold.org

For the first time, America’s Cup racing will be held inside Narragansett Bay, off the shore of Newport, with excellent spectator views of the race course from beautiful Fort Adams. The regatta will give the public an opportunity to watch the world’s top sailors compete in the state-of-the-art AC45 wing-sailed catamarans, which will be the first time the high-tech boats will be raced on the east coast of the United States. Newport is the final stop in the inaugural America’s Cup World Series, which will feature both fleet and match racing. The highlight of each AC World Series stop is the spectacular, winner-takes-all, fleet race on final Sunday. The public may view all the action from Fort Adams State Park on Newport’s waterfront. Information: http://www.americascup.com/en/Events/2011-2012-world-series

Chefs from Newport's sister city, Kinsale, Ireland, show off their cookery talents to create traditional and contemporary Irish cuisine in local restaurants. Many and varied cooking and dining events for the public. More details to come; check website.
Information: 401-845-9123 or visit www.gonewport.com/events-calendar

With over one hundred and fifty individual events, this Festival has become "New England's largest winter extravaganza." Alive with sparkle and excitement, the Winter Festival offers a unique winter experience combining food, music, and entertainment, with fun for all ages. Sand sculptures, a Chili Cook-Off, city-wide Scavenger Hunt, and an Ice Sculpting Competition, and a Children's Fair are just some of the many colorful and exciting events. Information: 401-847-7666.
Signature events include Beatlemania, February 18, 9 p.m. at the Hyatt; Samuel Adams Chili Cook-Off, February 18, 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at Newport Harbor Hotel;Chicken Wing Competition, February 25, at Hyatt Hotel; Festival Day at Easton's Beach, February 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. This fun-filled day includes a children's block hunt, a sand/snow sculpture contest, suspenders juggling troupe, polar bear plunge & more; Eagles Tribute Band, February 25, 8 p.m. at Newport Marriott; Winter Fest Comedy Show, February 24, 8 p.m. at Hotel Viking. Laugh the night away with comedy legend Kevin Meaney; Children's Fair, February 19 & 20, 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Newport Marriott. This fair is fun filled with music, face painting, balloon creations, arts and crafts, reptiles and more; Ice Sculpting Demonstration, February 18, 11 a.m.

Join us for over 125 cntemporary American atisans, festive food, live music and strolling entertainment to include The Toe Jam Band and The Big Nazo! Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Information: www.festivalfete.com or call 401-374-3899