Blackstone Valley Tourism Council Seeks Former Riverboat Guides, Captains and Crew

Were you, or anyone you know, a guide, river educator, boat captain, or crew for the Blackstone Valley “Explorer”? The Explorer is celebrating 20 years on the waters of the Blackstone River; it was launched on August 19, 1993. The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) that owns the boat is planning a celebration and would like to invite former tour guides, interpreters, captains, crew, and educators to participate. The event will be Friday evening August 16, 2013.

 Twenty years ago, Blount Manufacturing in Warren RI designed the 33-foot, 9-ton, flat-bottomed riverboat christened the “Blackstone Valley Explorer”. It has been launched from boat landings in Providence, Woonsocket, and Uxbridge. It currently leaves from the Central Falls Boat landing near the Cumberland Town Hall off Broad Street. The public tours are every Sunday at 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, and 4 PM from May to October. More information is on www.tourblackstone.com.

In addition to former staff and volunteers of the Explorer, the BVTC invites the public to send in their fondest memories of their time on the Riverboat. These stories will be shared at an event to be held on August 16, 2013 to commemorate the past 20 years and to propel the “Explorer” along for the next 20 years! It is the mission of the Explorer program to educate, inform, and entertain the public about the restored Blackstone River. Once, it was one of the most polluted rivers in America. Now, although it still has some issues, the Blackstone River supports a beautiful ecosystem full of life!

 Please contact Dianne Mailloux, Coordinator at #401-724-2200, or email: keep.bv.beautiful@gmail.com, or at the BVTC office 175 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860