BURRILLVILLE – It started last May as a way to highlight one organization’s success in the revitalization of downtown Pascoag and has since taken on a life of its own.
The Fountain Square Spring Splash will take place in the village center on Saturday, June 1, bringing live entertainment, new activities and a chance for visitors to gather in the street, enjoying all that Pascoag has to offer.
The event, sponsored by the Burrillville Redevelopment Agency in collaboration with area businesses including sponsor Bravo Brewing Company, was first thought up as a way to reveal Fountain Square, a small park featuring a replica of the village fountains of old, which was opened last year. Pascoag Main Street was shut down, with businesses bringing their products and services out onto the roadway, and thousands turned out for that first event.

And so, the BRA did it again last fall.
“People didn’t want it to end,” said Chairman Jim Langlois. “It was the combination of something new to do and a get together for locals.”
Clouds threatened the first event, which still went on as planned, and the second had to utilize the rain date, but neither stopped the crowds that turned out to enjoy the fun.

“Both the spring and fall events last year were great successes despite the weather,” Langlois said. “We’re happy about that. We will keep it going for as long as it’s viable.”
On June 1, the street will once again close to traffic, and the 2024 Spring Splash will feature both the expected highlight of area businesses, and more activities geared toward families.
“We have more of it this year,” said Langlois. “We’re making it a little better.”
New features this year include an inflatable archery range, set up by a local Boy Scout troop, and creatures from the “renegade circus,” Big Nazo, with live puppets roaming the streets. A bounce house will be added for the kids, along with demonstrations by Tree of Life Carvings.
Returning in 2024 will be horse and carriage rides, informational booths from local organizations and food trucks, including Not Your Average Popcorn, The Sticks Pizza Co. and Dinoliocious. All of the area businesses are participating, from Elayna’s and George’s, to Electronic World and Cow’s Tail Deli. The Pascoag Hose Company will open up the fire station for doughboys and touch-a-truck, and other Burrillville businesses will set up activity booths, including Art Box Studio and Magical Henna Art.
“We try to keep all of this in town, with local businesses,” Langlois said.
A scavenger hunt will also return this year, with guests visiting every business on a list for a chance to win a gift certificate.
“That was really popular,” said Langlois of the activity at the second event, held in fall.
For entertainment, Back Rhodes will perform outside, weather permitting, from 5:30 to 9 p.m., with DJ WiseVlad spinning tunes both before the band, and between sets from the patio outside Bravo Brewing.
With coordination between participants, local fire and police, and multiple town departments, it’s a large undertaking, but Langlois noted that planning has gotten, “much easier.”
“We knew when to apply for the licenses and secure things we needed, like porta potties,” he said. “I can’t say enough about the Pascoag business owners who have all been extremely cooperative, as well as everyone at Town Hall, and the police department. It makes life go easy.”
On June 1, Pascoag Main Street will be blocked off from Nahant Place to the intersection at Sayles Avenue starting at 3 p.m., as the agency once again prepares to celebrate their success in bringing life to a once blighted area of town.
“This event was designed to highlight the Pascoag businesses, and services that are available there,” said Langlois. Now, he noted, “This is an event for everyone: families, old friends, young people, older people, those who want to come and listen to music….”
The Fountain Square Spring Splash will take place on Saturday, June 1 from 4 to 9 p.m. along Pascoag Main Street. The rain date for the event is Sunday, June 2 from 2 to 7 p.m.