Latest news with #SandraDennis
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Creative Arts Network expands into Rhode Island with new events
Creative Arts Network Inc., a nonprofit based in Fall River, is expanding its reach into Rhode Island, according to a community announcement. The organization, founded in 2014, has been a key player in arts, culture and tourism in Fall River. Led by Sandra Dennis and her husband, Atty. David Dennis, CAN was instrumental in establishing the Fall River Waterfront Cultural District, which has become a major hub of cultural, social and economic activity in the city. The expansion into Rhode Island marks a new chapter for CAN, as it aims to contribute to vibrant communities and economic development in the Ocean State. This move is not expected to affect the organization's commitment to Fall River, according to Sandra Dennis. "We're really proud and excited about starting this parallel effort,' she said. CAN is known for hosting a wide range of cultural events, including festivals, art exhibits, tourism conferences, concerts, theatrical and musical performances, walking tours, fashion shows, cooking demonstrations and lectures. The organization places a strong emphasis on historical tourism and multicultural and multidisciplinary events, providing platforms for artists to showcase their talents. One of the organization's notable events was a reading of Frederick Douglass's anti-slavery speech, which incorporated music, a film about the Underground Railroad and vignettes with local actors portraying famous figures from the Civil War era. 'It's all about giving people a memorable experience,' Sandy Dennis said. The organization has collaborated with various entities, including Bristol Community College, the City of Fall River, DCR Fall River Heritage State Park, Lafayette Durfee House, Mass DOT, Mass Coastal Rail and People Inc. In 2018, CAN launched 'The Hydrangea Project,' a beautification program that has resulted in hundreds of plantings in downtown Fall River and on the city waterfront. The expansion into Rhode Island aligns with CAN's long-term mission of establishing Fall River as a destination for visitors from throughout New England. The Dennises, who divide their time between homes in Fall River and Narragansett, have developed relationships in Southern Rhode Island that they believe will be beneficial as they move forward. 'Partnering is a key ingredient in everything we do,' Sandy Dennis said. Building collaborations and sponsoring industry projects will be among CAN's initial areas of focus in Rhode Island. The organization plans to replicate some of its successful events from Fall River in Rhode Island communities. For more information about Creative Arts Network Inc., visit This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: From Fall River to Rhode Island, Creative Arts Network is growing Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
02-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New restaurants, big views and live music on Fall River's waterfront
Fall River's waterfront is quickly becoming a destination for food lovers, with 15 restaurants, cafes and breweries now clustered in a walkable cultural district. The growth is part of a broader effort to boost tourism and community life, according to a community announcement from Creative Arts Network Inc. (CAN), which manages the Fall River Waterfront Cultural District. 'We've had great restaurants in the district for several years, but things are really taking off now,' Sandra Dennis, executive director of CAN, said in the announcement. New restaurants, outdoor patios and waterfront views Two new spots—Morgan's Cantina, a high-end Mexican restaurant, and Gathering Grounds Café at the Fall River Carousel—are among the latest additions. Primo on Water Street also recently opened an outdoor patio, Dennis said. The district offers indoor and outdoor dining with views of Narragansett Bay, according to the announcement. Options include Portuguese, Italian and Mexican cuisine, seafood, American fusion, comfort food and raw bars. Two breweries—Canned Heat Craft Beer Co. and Troy City Brewery—serve small-batch craft beers, and several venues host live music, karaoke and special events. 'It's exciting to see these new places and know that more will follow,' Dennis said. 'Waterfront restaurants attract tourists and give the people in the community fantastic options for eating out.' Dennis added that the area is starting to feel like a true destination. 'I've seen lines of people waiting to get into the restaurants, just like you do in all the best tourist destinations,' Dennis said. Local spots earn statewide and national attention Some of the district's restaurants are gaining recognition beyond Fall River. Sagres Restaurant was named one of the top 13 most historic restaurants in Massachusetts and one of 15 must-try Portuguese restaurants in the U.S., according to the announcement. Duke's Bakery and Cafe, which specializes in gluten-free food, has partnered with one of the original 'Shark Tank' investors to launch a food truck franchise. One of its Duke's Bakery GF Chicken 'n' Waffle Trucks is already operating at 147 Borden Street. 'Statewide and national recognition—that's a sign how special these places are,' Dennis said. A full list of restaurants in the district is available at This story was created by David DeMille, ddemille@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on The Herald News: New restaurants boost Fall River's waterfront scene Solve the daily Crossword
