The James River Association will still have their annual oyster roast, but it won’t be like past ones.
Organizers said the event “will be transformed from an in-person event into a virtual experience,” all in the name of safety.
We’re still in the middle of a pandemic after all.
The event this year will be on Oct. 28.
One advantage of the virtual format is more can join the shindig, which usually is in Richmond — when in-person gatherings are still the norm.
“We’re very excited that since it’s virtual we can celebrate with our community across the watershed because we serve the entire James, so normally this event is in Richmond so if you don’t live there you have to travel there,” said Erin Hillert, the association’s marketing & communications manager.
Andrew Freiden, meteorologist for NBC12, will host the “Riding the Currents of 2020”: JRA’s Annual Meeting & Virtual Update.
Melissa Lesh, of Emerging Earth Films will provide an exclusive showing of her short film about the James River in collaboration with Virginia Tourism.
“Riding the Currents of 2020” will include speakers, updates, and giveaways. Giveaways include a 10-person pontoon trip, guided paddle trips across the watershed, a swanky James Changer Swag Basket and more, according to a news release from the James River Association.
The Nature Conservancy’s Guilio Boccaletti is speaking live from London, England, shedding light on the global importance of water and describing his involvement in H2O: The Molecule That Made Us, a special three-part broadcast from PBS and WGBH Boston.
Along with Boccaletti, WGBH Boston Executive Producer John Bredar will share his experience producing the award-winning series.
James River Association’s CEO Bill Street will end the program by giving important updates on the association’s work the past year, celebrate the first anniversary of the James River being awarded the Thiess International Riverprize, and honor outstanding “James Changers” in the community who have made remarkable contributions to the James River.
“While we wish we could be celebrating in person this year, we are excited about the opportunities this virtual event brings — connecting with experts, locally and across the globe, and being able to include and share this time with our community of James Changers along the entire James River watershed,” said Kristen Miller, development manager for the James River Association, in the news release.
To find out more and to register, click here.
More information about the James River Association can be found here.
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