Celebrate Earth Day 2009 in Richmond, Virginia

Celebrate Earth Day 2009 in Richmond, Virginia, with organized walks, bike rides, history hikes, rafting, canal cruises and a festival celebrating the revitalization of the James River. Most of the events are family-friendly many are free. The weather is expected to be sunny and warm, and city officials are expecting a large turnout.

Party at the Fish Festival. The annual Fish Festival marks the renewed health of the James River. The celebration at the south end of the 14^th Street Bridge will include earth-friendly vendors, music, exhibitors, children's activities, plant sales, a farmer's market, tours, and demonstrations. There will be tree-planting and fly-fishing demonstrations, along with a shad release into the James River. Vendors include conservation groups, solar energy contractors, green energy exhibitors, the Virginia Historical Society, Goodwill Industries, anti-pollution societies, artists, crafters, and bakers. Enjoy the Richmond Fish Festival from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Ride your bike on Earth Day. The RABA Mayor's Walk and Roll Bike Ride begins at 8:30 AM at Hungary and Woodman Roads. This ride is sponsored by the Richmond Area Bicycling Association (RABA). The Ride is free and does not require pre-registration. The Jackson Ward Bike Ride to Earth Day is also free. Gather at 8:45 AM at the Gazebo at North Madison and Clay streets in Jackson Ward. The Battery Park Bike Ride to Earth Day begins at 10:45 AM at the corner of Hooper and Montrose Avenues. This ride is free and requires no pre-registration. Riders are encouraged to wear a helmet.

Take a walk or a roll. If you love to walk, Richmond will be a great Earth Day weekend destination. The Forest Hill Park Walk to Earth Day is a six-mile walk departing Shelter #1 at 9 AM. The Church Hill Walk to Earth Day departs Libby Hill Park Overlook at 9:30 AM. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk in the Union Hill Walk to Earth Day, which leaves Jumpin' J's Java at 9:15 AM or the Oregon Hill Walk to Earth Day. This walk departs Northside of Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge at 9:30 AM. The Accessible Walk/Roll Excursion on the Flood Wall, leaves the South end of the 14^th Street (Mayo) Bridge at 11AM. This walk/roll is for everyone. There is an accessible path along the river on Richmond's Flood Wall. Be sure to bring plenty of water, and wear comfortable shoes and a helmet.

Cruise the rejuvenated James River. Canal cruises will include a 35-minute narrated tour of the James River and Kanawha Canal along Richmond's Historic Canal Walk. Catch the boat on the hour between 14^th and Virginia Streets. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for children.

Earth Day 2009 will be a great opportunity for Richmonders to highlight the work that has brought the James River back to health. Come out to the City of Richmond this weekend and enjoy the fun celebrating Earth Day 2009!

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References:

Earth Day Richmond 2009: http://www.earthdayrichmond.org/

Richmond.gov: http://www.richmondgov.com/showArticle.aspx?artID=A020E0C09