Celebrate on America’s Founding River
Sponsored by the James River Advisory Council
The James River Advisory Council joins the region in celebrating America’s 400th Anniversary. JRAC invites you to experience the river and understand its cultural and historical impacts on the region by participating in an exciting independence boat parade, educational boat tours and other river activities.
Independence Boat Parade
Boaters and spectators alike attended this summer’s Independence Boat Parade, July 5th, on the James River, sponsored by the James River Advisory Council. This event was similar to the James River Parade of Lights, which JRAC holds each December. Patriotically decorated boats will cruised a similar route along the lower James between Richmond and the Varina-Enon area. Local celebrities judged the boats, and prizes were awarded.
Final Results
Educational History Tours: The James River Past and Present
Wednesday, July 11 (get brochure)
Ever wondered how the James River of Capt. John Smith’s time is connected with the James River that we know and use today? Bring your family and join us for a boat trip on the James to learn about the river’s past and its vital role today. Jordan Point, Hopewell.
Sponsor: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and James River Advisory Council, (804) 717-6199
Registration for this event is now closedSaturday, July 14, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (get brochure)
Ever wondered how the James River of Capt. John Smith’s time is connected with the James River that we know and use today? Bring your family and join us for a boat trip on the James to learn about the river’s past and its vital role today. Meet at 9:00 a.m., Westover, 7000 Westover Road, Charles City, VA.
Sponsor: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and James River Advisory Council, (804) 717-6199
Registration for this event is now closedMonday, Aug. 6, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (get brochure)
Learn how Virginia’s natural resources helped define our culture. Join US Fish and Wildlife Service staff and interpreters on a boat tour to and around the 1,300-acre Presquile National Wildlife Refuge. Participants will travel past Shirley Plantation (America’s oldest family business), remnants of the town of Bermuda Hundred (America’s First Incorporated Town), and visit an island preserved for native animals. Meet at 9:00 a.m. Turkey Island Ferry Landing. Bring sun screen, hat, jacket and water.
Sponsor: Chesapeake Bay Foundation, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and James River Advisory Council, (804) 717-6199. Driving directions.
Registration for this event is now closed
Fun Run
Saturday, Aug. 18, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Boaters are invited to follow semi-obscure clues to navigate to five locations along the lower James River. Boaters will be given a card at each destination and compare hands at the final destination to determine who wins. Winners will be awarded prizes.
Pre-registration is required - Register online For more information, call (804) 717-6199.Due to a lack of registered participants, JRAC has decided to cancel the FUN RUN event scheduled for Aug. 18. JRAC will consider scheduling a FUN RUN event next year. Thank you for your interest.
Other River Activities
Diversity on the River Series
Lecture Series
Thursday, July 19, 2007, 6- 8 pm - “Forgotten History Series: Black Military Academy on the James River”
The lecture will be held at the Black History Museum and Cultural Arts Center located, 00 Clay Street. 6 – 8 p.m. Speaker: Robert Walker, graduate of Belmeade Military Academy. For details, call: 804-780-9093. Sponsors: Black History Museum & Cultural Arts Center & James River Advisory Council. Driving directions.Events
Saturday, June 30, 2007, 8:30-11 pm -" Night Walk on the Manchester Slave Trail"
Follow in silent torchlight the path through the forest from the stone docks to the slave jails. An emotional two-mile journey (buses provide return trip). Bring water, small flashlight; wear good walking shoes. Donation: $5 Adults, $3 Children Meet: 8:30 p.m. Ancarrow’s Landing, (end of Maury Street) Richmond. For more information, call (804) 646-8911. Sponsor: Richmond Parks, Recreation & Community Facilities’ James River Park System. Driving directionsTuesday, August 14, 2007, 9 a.m.-2 pm “Playing on the James”
A fun day for minority youth learning to play safely in the river with a sample kayaking and canoeing with certified instructors. For ages,12 –17. Meet at 8:45 a.m. at Henricus Historical Park Visitor’s Center, 251 Henricus Park Road. Wear swim attire, bring towel and sunscreen. FREE. For registration: 804-717-6199 Sponsors: James River Advisory Council, Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation. Driving directions
