On the waterfront
By Liz Barry on Jun. 12, 2008
Before tractor-trailers and railroads, there were batteaux. During the 1700s and 1800s, these flat-bottomed merchant boats hauled tons of tobacco and other cargo down the James River to Richmond, bringing economic prosperity to the region.
This weekend, Lynchburg will celebrate its batteau heritage during the 23rd Annual James River Batteau Festival. A fleet of batteaux will leave Lynch’s Landing at 11 a.m. Saturday, launching a weeklong voyage that ends on June 21 at Maiden’s Landing in Richmond.
Costumed re-enactors will retrace the 200-year-old route in handmade replicas of the sleek, shallow-draft boats of old Virginia, stopping in historic towns and communities along the way.
In Lynchburg, this year’s festival features activities throughout downtown Lynchburg, a departure from previous years when most of the action is focused at the riverfront.
“We would like to encourage people to explore the entirety of downtown, all the way from the riverfront up to the Old Court House and Monument Terrace,” said Angela Hamilton, Lynch’s Landing executive director.
Here’s a guide to what’s happening downtown Friday and Saturday to celebrate the Batteau Festival.
Friday
Friday Cheers (5:30 – 9:00 p.m.): Harley Night comes to the Riverfront Festival Park with a concert by country music rockers Cimmaron. Attendees must be 21 or older unless accompanied by a parent. Admission is $5. Food and drinks will be on sale. Bring your ID.
Batteaux will be parked at the Amherst Boat Landing beginning Friday afternoon for viewing.
No Strings Attached (7:30 p.m.): The string band from the Roanoke/ Blacksburg area will play at the White Hart on 1208 Main St. The quartet blends old and new, incorporating traditional acoustic music and contemporary material from performers like Dave Brubeck, Thelonious Monk and the Chieftains, as well as their own tunes. Their performances often include tango and clog dancing, and parodies of old rock and roll bands. Admission is $5.
Saturday
Batteau Launch at Percival’s Island (11 a.m.): Costumed re-enactors pay homage to Lynchburg’s history by making the same voyage from Lynchburg to Richmond as tobacco traders in the 1700 and 1800s.
Rare Automobile Display (10 a.m. — 4 p.m.): A 1919 Bush automobile from Lynchburg’s Piedmont Motor Car Co. will be on display in front of the Lynchburg Museum at 901 Court St. It’s one of the few remaining Piedmont vehicles made on Hollins Mill Road, where the Flowers Bakery now stands.
Lynchburg Museum (10 a.m. — 4 p.m.): Re-opened in February with new exhibits, the museum features exhibits on Lynchburg’s batteau and canal era, including batteau and packet boat models on display. The museum also has the desk from the packet boat John Marshall on display, along with several large murals by artist Edward Beyer, which show the canals, towpaths, locks and layout of the canal basin in downtown Lynchburg as it was in 1855. Admission is $1 off.
Point of Honor (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Costumed interpretation at Point of Honor, a 19th-century Federal mansion, with hearth cooking demonstrations, spinning and weaving, and hands-on activities. Meet Dr. George Cabell, owner of Point of Honor, friend to Thomas Jefferson and physician of Patrick Henry, who will talk about early medicine and give tours of the new medical exhibit. Admission is $1 off.
The McKenzies (7:30 p.m.): This Lynchburg folk duo will play at the White Hart at 1208 Main St. Their repertoire ranges from sing-alongs to traditional ballads to original novelty songs. Free.
Riverflicks (dusk): “To Sir with Love,” the 1969 classic starring Sidney Poitier, will be shown under the stars by Amazement Square at the corner of Ninth and Main streets. Pre-show activities include a 1960s dance party. Dress in 1960s attire and compete to win a prize. Bring a blanket or a chair. Movie concessions are available. No outside drinks, coolers or pets allowed.
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