Big Blue Bug Brings Holiday Joy

(Pictured, from left to right, an "on switch" button and platform were built for this year's lighting ceremony; CEO Brian Goldman (left) in front of the Big Blue Bug; and singer Billy Gilman).

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — As one of the most recognizable landmarks in Rhode Island, the Big Blue Bug has long been a favorite of the state’s residents – not to mention an effective marketing tool for Providence-based Big Blue Bug Solutions (formerly New England Pest Control). Anchored atop the company’s headquarters and overlooking I-95, the Big Blue Bug has become ingrained in the Providence skyline since it was born in 1980.

The bug, which stands 58 feet tall and weighs two tons, is perhaps even more of a sight to behold during the holiday season, when it is dressed up with antlers, a red nose and lit up with about 7,500 bulbs — from head to abdomen. The company that decorates and lights the bug is Duff Electric, a Rhode Island firm that primarily does work overseas.

“It takes about two days and they have the expertise to install the bulbs and also to stabilize everything so that it can withstand a winter storm,” said Big Blue Bug Solutions CEO Brian Goldman.

Goldman says 27 years ago Big Blue began decorating/lighting the bug during the holidays, and he says the lighting ceremony has evolved to become a community-wide event, attended by hundreds of residents each year. Big Blue Bug Solutions invites local television news stations to the lighting and technicians and customers service reps get involved by welcoming attendees.

“New York City has the tree lighting at Rockefeller Square. For Rhode Island, it is lighting the Big Blue Bug,” said Goldman.

Two years ago, Rhode Island resident Billy Gilman — a child country singer star who recently revived his career on the TV program “The Voice” — was a guest singer. For this year’s ceremony, local businessmen and celebrities Ron and Pete Cardi (of Cardi’s Furniture) did the ceremonial lighting in memory of their late brother Nick, who passed away in August. Also for this year’s lighting ceremony, Big Blue Bug Solutions lead wildlife specialist Joshua Brown built a platform to showcase the “on switch.” The platform was decked out an oversized candy cane-like structure with a ball on top that resembles the Times Square New Year’s ball.

Goldman said Big Blue Bug Solutions is always looking for ways to give back to the communities it serves, and lighting the Big Blue Bug not only does that, but it also involves the community. “Something we learned from the Cardi brothers is to involve the community. Do something where everyone can be a part of it, and everyone can enjoy it. It puts a smile on everyone’s faces. Parents will tell their kids that we’ll drive by Big Blue Bug as a reward for going to the doctor’s or dentist’s.”