News 2006

For Immediate Release

CONTACTS:
Robert Beadle, Media Liaison
Phone: 401-632-6573, E-mail: Robert@nepublications.com
OR
Lorraine Provencher, Coordinator
Phone: 401-724-2200, E-mail: bvfootsteps@aol.com
175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

THE HISTORIC BLACKSTONE RIVER, ONCE AN INDUSTRIAL WATERWAY,
NOW RECREATIONAL WATERWAY
Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend Showcases River Attractions

BLACKSTONE VALLEY, MA, RI, (September 29, 2006) – The Blackstone River – winding 46 miles from headwaters near Worcester, Mass., to Narragansett Bay – is a force that powered the American Industrial Revolution in New England. By 1880, the river was considered “the hardest working river” – one of the most thoroughly exploited and polluted rivers in America.

Today, the Blackstone River has made an astounding comeback. With the help of environmental protections, the waterway is the cleanest it has been in over 100 years and is now a place for boating, fishing and recreation. As we celebrate our cultural, historical and natural heritage during the Columbus Day Weekend Footsteps in History program, visitors are invited to explore the many attractions the river offers.

“What a great weekend for people to visit and sample what the Blackstone Valley offers,” says Robert Billington, president of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council. “The autumn foliage will be an excellent backdrop as they tour any of our 100 historical and cultural sites.”

The newly developed River Island park is part of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor. Located on the edge of Woonsocket’s downtown area, it combines park amenities with access to the Blackstone River for fishing, canoeing, or bird watching. Boat tours, along this stretch of the Blackstone, provide a pleasant view. The Explorer Boat is accessible across the square from River Island Park. Another way to enjoy the river is through:

Fin & Feather Sports of Upton will be offering canoe and kayak rentals from River Island Park at the corner of Bernon and Main Streets in Woonsocket. Hours will be Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A rain date is scheduled for Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Blackstone Valley Outfitters of 2 Mendon Road, Cumberland, R.I. provide kayak, canoe and equipment rentals with a boat launch only a short distance from the store. Hours are Saturday 9 a.m. to sunset, Sunday noon to 6 p.m. and Monday 9 a.m. to sunset. For more information or equipment reservations, call 401-312-0369.

The Great Canadian Canoe and Kayak Company at River Bend Farm of 282 Oak Street, Uxbridge, MA also provides kayak, canoe and equipment rentals. Hours are Saturday, Sunday and Monday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information or equipment reservations, call 508-865-0010 or visit www.greatcanadian.com.

Further water recreation information and maps may be obtained from www.tourblackstone.com.

The 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley were designated by President and Mrs. Bush and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation as Preserve America communities in 2004. To highlight this proud achievement, the region developed Footsteps in History to make all historical and cultural sites open and available to the public with open houses, artistic and interpretive programs, festivals and much more during this three-day event.

More than 100 tours, open houses and events have been listed for the Footsteps in History program. A copy of all events, tours and open houses can be found throughout the Blackstone Valley at various Visitor Centers and sites in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. A complete listing may also be found on this website (events) or by calling 1-800-454-2882 for more information

About Footsteps in History

The Footsteps in History Preserve America Weekend “Five Centuries in Three Days” is a celebration of our national heritage in which the 24 communities of the Blackstone River Valley showcase about 100 cultural and historical attractions for the enjoyment of residents, tourists and their families. Footsteps in History was created by the Blackstone River Valley Tourism Collaborative, which includes the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, the John H. Chafee Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor, and the Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce. Footsteps in History is sponsored by the Rhode Island Historical Preservation & Heritage Commission, the Massachusetts Historical Commission with grant funding from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. See this website (events) for the complete list of events, pick up a brochure at area visitor centers or call 1-800-454-2882 for more information.

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