Dear Taylor Swift,

Rhode Island has been graced once again with your presence for your annual Fourth of July party. But let’s back it up to three years ago when you bought a $17 million home in cash. No Rhode Islander was prepared for the publicity you brought to our little state and even smaller town.

While people pulled over, came to a dead stop in the road, and ran out in the street for a glimpse at your house, us locals were just amazed you chose our little town as your getaway. We welcomed you with open arms (or in this case farms) and you did the same.

While we like to complain about you increasing traffic on a busy road, attracting crazy people (willing to swim from the lighthouse to see you), building a wall to keep you away from the riff raff, as well as shutting down the only road that leads to the lighthouse for your party, we forgive pretty easily.

And your sign boasting the punny slogan “I knew you were trouble when you walked in. No trespassing” eased our offended feelings even more. Despite all of our complaints, we’d also like to say thank you.

We may be a little salty that you forgot to mail our invites to your latest Fourth of July party (especially considering the star-studded guest list), but we’re pretty forgiving people. After all, you’ve given Rhode Island a new identity.

You brought us fame and now people know Rhode Island is not an island nor in New York…or at least we like to think they don’t.

Not only that, but tourism boomed as you landed your private jet here. After being spotted in numerous local businesses and a recent Vanity Fair article about your party (even though they called Rhode Island a town...), you've advertised our little gems in the best way.

We’d also like to thank you for your kindness. While we may lack a calm demeanor as you shop downtown, go out to eat, or see you paddle boarding in the bay, we appreciate your willingness to take pictures and prove to be the kind person we all know you are.

Also showing us that even though you grew up in a city, everyone needs a little vitamin sea in their lives and we have the perfect beaches for it.

And let's admit, it's pretty cool to say Taylor Swift has a house in our town. So thank you Taylor for letting us brag about you, your talent, your support of our community, and throwing some of the best parties we've ever seen pictures of. #thanksTaylor

Sincerely,

Rhode Island