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News

Media Contact: Patti McAlpine, Education Coordinator
401-724-2200

For Immediate Release SATURDAY, JUNE 17, 2006

CELEBRATE RIVERS DAY ON THE BLACKSTONE RIVER

Join the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in Celebrating Rivers Day

Central Falls, RI – May 17, 2006 – Celebrate Rivers Day on the Blackstone River Saturday, June 17, 2006 at Central Falls Landing in Central Falls, RI beginning at 10:00am with speaking program and awards presentation starting at 11:00am. Rivers Day is an annual celebration for waterways, and is held locally with a special emphasis on the historic Blackstone River, an American Heritage River This year will mark our seventh anniversary celebrating the Blackstone River.

Hosted by the City of Central Falls, the Blackstone River Watershed Council, Friends of the Blackstone River and the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor Commission, the day’s events will include free fly tying demonstration by United Fly Tyers Rhode Island, free public tours aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer guided by a National Park Service Ranger, presentation of the John H. Chafee Rivers Day Award by the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the Blackstone River Watershed Council Watershed Excellence Award, Environmental Education Scholarship Awards, and the Knights of Columbus Wayne Judd Memorial Scholarship. (A schedule is attached).

In addition events will continue in Pawtucket with RiverSing at Slater Mill in Pawtucket, RI Saturday, June 17, 2006. RiverSing at Slater Mill features eight stages of musical performances on both sides of the Blackstone River from noon until 9:00pm. More information is available at www.riversing.org.

For more information about the Rivers Day celebration, contact the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council at 401-724-2200 or visit their website www.tourblackstone.com.

Rivers Day

June 17, 2006 - Central Falls Landing
Schedule of Events

10:00am-3:00pm Free Fly tying demonstration by United Fly Tyers of Rhode Island

11:00 am: Gather at Central Falls Landing for the Rivers Day Ceremonies and Awards. Celebrate the living legacies of the Blackstone American Heritage River with Federal, State and Local officials and citizens active in preserving the history, culture and environment of the Blackstone River and the Valley.

12-3 pm: The John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor is sponsoring Free Public Tours aboard the 49-passenger riverboat Blackstone Valley Explorer. These interpretive scenic and historic tours depart and return hourly from Central Falls Landing and travel on the Blackstone River through Valley Falls Marsh. A National Park Service Ranger will provide narrated interpretation during the tour to familiarize passengers with the history, culture, nature and communities located on this expanse of the Blackstone.

Contact the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council at 401-724-2200 for more information and schedule updates.

Blackstone Valley Visitor Center, On the banks of the Blackstone, 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, Rhode Island 02860
1-800-454-BVTC (2882) Local: 401-724-2200 Fax: 401-724-1342 info@tourblackstone.com