James River Week to feature fishing tournament, paddling, cleanup event and more

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- James River Week, held from Sept. 13 through Sept. 20, will offer a variety of events celebrating Virginia's largest river.

Did you know that the James River is 340 miles long? In fact, it's one of the longest rivers in America that begins and ends in the same state, according to the James River Association.

To celebrate and enjoy all that the river has to offer, James River Week will be held from Saturday, Sept. 13, through Saturday, Sept. 20. The following events, a few of which begin just before and just after the week, will take place for residents to take part.

Friday, Sept. 12

Rivers & Roads Fishing Tournament

At 8 a.m., the second annual Rivers & Roads Fishing Tournament will kick off at the Hopewell City Marina. It will be held until 5 p.m. on Friday and will continue through Saturday, Sept. 13, ending with an award ceremony at the Marina

Anglers will compete for the chance to win a $15,000 top prize. For more information, visit the tournament's website.

Art Interpretations

From 2 to 3 p.m., a paper casting workshop will be held at Henrico County Public Library's Fairfield Area Library, in the FA Multipurpose Creation Classroom.

Organizers said the artsy event is held in partnership with Keep Henrico Beautiful and inspired by the natural beauty of the James River while exploring sustainable practices. For more information, visit the library's website.

Saturday, Sept. 13

James River Regional Cleanup

From about 9 a.m. to noon at multiple locations, volunteers can join a group as they hike, paddle or boat along the James River, where they will pick up trash. The event is held by the James River Advisory Council.

For more information about each location, visit Chesterfield County's website.

James River Association's EcoFest

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., attendees at the James River EcoFest at the James A. Buzzard River Education Center can enjoy free paddle tours, educational booths from partner organizations, eco-conscious vendors, a variety of local food trucks and more.

For more information, visit the association's website.

Day 2: Rivers & Roads Fishing Tournament

On day two of the tournament, the field will be narrowed down to the top 25 boats by weight. Final day weigh-in will be held in Downtown Hopewell on the main stage.

Sunday, Sept. 14

Sturgeon Watching Trips

From 8 a.m. to noon, folks will learn about the James River and the endangered Atlantic sturgeon, which make their fall spawning migration up the James River in mid-September.

All sturgeon watching trips will depart from Rockett's Landing Marina, located at 4708 Old Main St. in Richmond. For more information, visit the association's website.

Litter Cleanup at Three Lakes Park

From 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers will join up for a litter cleanup at Three Lakes Nature Center, located at 400 Sausiluta Dr. in Henrico County.

Folks will meet on the Nature Center Deck for a safety orientation and to grab gloves, litter grabbers and trash bags. Attendees should bring their own sunscreen, bug spray, water, and, if desired, gloves. Kids under 18 must attend with a parent or guardian.

For more information, visit the James River Association's website.

Thursday, Sept. 18

James River Run in Southside

From 6 to 7 p.m., runners can join the Southside Striders Run Club at the Veil Brewing Co. at 4910 Forest Hill Ave. for a group run along the James River.

Folks can opt to run either two or four miles. After the run, attendees can grab a free beer at the Veil. For more information, visit the James River Association's website.

Friday, Sept. 19

Invasive Species Removal at Chapel Island

From 10 a.m. to noon, volunteers can join the James River Park System Invasive Species Task Force in an ongoing habitat restoration project at Chapel Island.

Attendees will meet in the parking lot at Great Shiplock Park at Dock and Pear Street. For more information, visit the James River Association's website.

Saturday, Sept. 20

Pawpaw Festival

From 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Powhatan State Park, located at 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd., attendees can enjoy festivities at the Third Annual Pawpaw Festival.

The festival will feature local vendors, brews, crafts, critters and live music. Folks can also participate in a five or 10-mile race, with registration costs starting at $50 per runner.

Special event parking and admission will be $20 per vehicle, and annual pass holders will instead pay $10 per vehicle. For more information, visit Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's website.

Nurture with Nature

From 1 to 4 p.m., folks can enjoy a free festival at Reeling and Rafting's campground located at 265 Ferry St. in Albemarle County.

Sponsored by the Scottsville Center for Arts and Nature, attendees can enjoy watercolor painting, hammocking, mindfulness, guided walks, water activities and camping demonstrations. For more information, visit the James River Association's website.

For additional information regarding the week, visit the association's James River Week page on its website.