Charlestown Seafood Festival, Chamber of Commerce, and Director to be Honored for Decades of Promoting Local Tourism. As The Charlestown Seafood Festival kicks off its 37th year, the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce, its Executive Director Heather Paliotta, and the event itself will all receive citations from the state. The festival is the largest fundraiser for the Charlestown Chamber of Commerce and draws tens of thousands of people to the area every year. Under the direction of Paliotta, it has flourished into one of the marquee events of the summer, not just in Rhode Island but across the country. It’s been named among the Top 10 Events in New England and among the Top 100 in North America. Lt. Governor Sabina Matos will present the citations on behalf of her office and of Gov. Dan McKee.