There is going to be a public event at the Byrd Park Pumphouse in Richmond, VA on April 6th from 11am to 7pm.
Booths are going to be along Pumphouse drive with food and beer available.
A blues band named Pumphouse (inspired by the pump house) play a few sets.
The VC&NS has been invited to have a booth and if anyone is interested in displaying a batteau the organizers would like to have you there.
This event is to promote awareness of the Canal and Byrd Park Pumphouse.
By Dr. William E. Trout, III
The Spring Meeting of the Coastal Canoeists is being held at Douthat State Park on April 27th, 2019.
Dr. William E. Trout, III, the author of Amazing Virginia Canals and many Virginia and North Carolina River Atlases will speak after the dinner to the Coastal Canoeists about this exciting new hard bound book. Copies may be purchased in person for $35 including tax. VC&NS Members can get 20% off. See the VC&NS online store if you would like to become a member. Copies will be available online when they arrive in March, 2019.
Philip de Vos and Holt Messerly will join Dr. Trout and participate in the presentation.
Martha James is the Trip Leader for the morning paddling trip. Check the Coastal’s website for further details.
Check back for further details.
Third Annual
Amherst County Batteau Day
Riveredge Park in Madison Heights
on Saturday, June 8, 2019, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
A Family Fun Day on the
Amherst Bank of The James River!
Amherst County will celebrate Amherst County Batteau Day, which honors Benjamin and Anthony Rucker, the inventors of the James River Batteau over two centuries ago. This free event has been organized by Amherst County Recreation and Parks, Amherst County Museum & Historical Society, Amherst County Chamber of Commerce, Rucker Family Society, Virginia Canals and Navigations Society, Amherst County Public Safety, Amherst County Sheriff’s Department, High Peak Sportswear, James River Association, The Design Group, James River Adventures, and the Batteaumen of The James River Batteau Festival.
The celebration will include the participation of living history interpreters.
Amherst County is the birthplace of the James River Batteau. Last year the Park’s landing was named “Rucker’s Landing” in honor of the inventors of the Batteau.
The schedule of events for the day is as follows:
To be announced.
Riveredge Park in Madison Heights is located at the base of 150 Rocky Hill Road, on the James River, downstream from the John Lynch Bridge. Boat and fishing access will not be available on Batteau Day.
Parking will be in the Park or by Shuttle. A Bus Shuttle will run from 10:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. from: to be announced.
For additional information call the Museum 434-946-9068 or Recreation and Parks 434-946-9371.
The Launch of the 34th annual James River Batteau Festival in 2019 will be from Percival’s Island at 11:00 AM.
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The James River Batteau Festival campsite at Galt’s Mill for 2019 is scheduled to be the same as prior years.
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The James River Batteau Festival campsite for Sunday June 16, 2019 will be at Bent Creek.
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The James River Batteau Festival campsite for Monday June 17, 2019 will be at Wingina.
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The James River Batteau Festival campsite for Tuesday June 18, 2019 will be at Howardsville.
Please be respectful of this property and do not leave trash! Please observe the quite hours of 10:00 PM. Thank you.
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The James River Batteau Festival campsite for Wednesday June 19, 2019 will be at Scottsville. Camping is available behind the old School, same as in prior years.
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Local outfitter for canoe and kayak rentals:
James River Rafting and Reeling
The James River Batteau Festival campsite for Thursday June 20, 2019 will be at the site on the up-river side of the Slate River confluence with the James River. This site was new in 2016.
Please do NOT go to the old Solite Plant campsite as that area is closed off now.
If you are traveling from Rt. 15, continue past the old Solite plant entrance a little further just after you cross the Slate River. The entrance to the new site will be on the right.
Please use caution driving on this site and observe all designated markings as to what areas are available for JRBF use.
The James River Batteau Festival campsite for Friday June 21, 2019 will be at Cartersville.
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The James River Batteau Festival will end on Saturday June 22, 2019 at Maiden’s Landing.
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