PORTSMOUTH — It will be nine months late, but the “Polar Plunge” bonfire, normally scheduled for New Year’s Day, will be ignited at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4, at Island Park Beach.

“We tried very hard to have the event on Jan. 1, but, out of an abundance of caution to keep people safe from COVID, we canceled the event,” explained John Vitkevich, event coordinator. “But, we thought it would be a good thing to help celebrate the end of summer by re-scheduling the event for Labor Day weekend.”

As it is on Jan. 1, Saturday’s event is also a fund-raiser for a local nonprofit organization. This year, The Portsmouth Historical Society has been chosen as the beneficiary.

Residents are invited to come out to support the Society. You can also take a “plunge” into the Sakonnet River, and be able to linger longer in the water than you would on New Year’s Day.

For more information, call Mr. Vitkevich at 401/952-1953, e-mail johnvit@virizon.net, or visit portsmouthhistorical.org.

Fireworks at Thriving Tree

The fun in Island Park continues the following day, Sept. 5, when the Island Park Preservation Society presents fireworks on the lawn of Thriving Tree Coffee House, 706 Park Ave., starting at dusk.

Doors open at 5 p.m., and there will be live music, a full bar, and barbecue.