This Saturday, June 16, 2012, marks the 27th annual James River Batteau Festival, beginning at 9am. The festival is put on by the Virginia Canals and Navigation Society, who has been working with Lynch's Landing to put on the Lynchburg Launch. Entry is free and open to the public. At 11:00am, approximately 20 historically accurate batteaus will launch from Percival's Island on an eight day journey, ending at Maiden's Landing. The batteaus commemorate a period in the late 1700s and early 1800s when Virginia goods, such as tobacco and flour, were transported by water from Lynchburg to Richmond.
Not into traveling down the river to Richmond? The fair at Percival's Island is a great way to participate! There will be demonstrations, exhibitions on the history surrounding the batteaus, educational opportunities, children's activities, and information on the James River conservation efforts. Camp Kum-Ba-Yah will be sponsoring a fishing tournament and canoe race as well! The fair will continue after the batteaus launch until 3pm. For a complete day schedule, click here. This is a wonderful chance for Lynchburg area residents to support a local organization working to preserve a tradition that has shaped this city's atmosphere and to learn about the trade business that helped to establish Lynchburg. Here is a recent article about the festival featured in the Lynchburg News and Advance. The weather is supposed to be wonderful and all of us at Lynch's Landing are expecting a great event! If you have any questions or would like more information, please check out our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Have an amazing weekend!
Lynch's Landing
