March 2006
For Immediate Release

BACK IN OPERATION

BLACKSTONE VALLEY TOURISM COUNCIL ANNOUNCES
2006 SEASON ABOARD THE BLACKSTONE VALLEY EXPLORER

Experience Ecology and Heritage of the Blackstone River

Pawtucket, RI—After early curtailment of fall programs due to October flood, the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council (BVTC) is pleased to announce that they will resume operations for the 2006 season. School programs are scheduled to begin May 1 aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer; a 49-passenger riverboat at Central Falls Landing where the Samuel Slater, an authentic British canal boat will also be docked.

Patricia McAlpine, Blackstone River Education Coordinator says, “I have already begun scheduling school groups for River Classrooms aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer and bookings continue to stream in.” School groups can either participate in river science investigation or a heritage studies program aboard the Blackstone Valley Explorer. “This year we are also offering two new programs for educators”, says McAlpine. Educators will have the opportunity to bring classes on a half-day program called Eco-Discovery, in which students will engage in activities to connect them with the river. Our other new program, Wild about Wetlands, will teach students the value of the diverse wetland habitat.” . Teachers are asked to contact the Tourism Council about available scholarship funds.

River Classroom programs are offered weekdays in Central Falls May-August and in Woonsocket August-October. Scholarships may be available on a needs basis. Interested educators may contact the Tourism office at 401-724-2200 or visit the website at www.rivertourblackstone.com for more information.

In addition to education programs, the Blackstone Valley Explorer will be available for public tours every Sunday June thru October at 1, 2, 3, and 4 pm. Tickets are $8.00 adults, $6.00 children & seniors. Special programs will be offered during the summer including Birthday Parties on the Boat, Twilight Tours, and corporate charters. We will once again offer our popular noontime lunch tours every Thursday June 22 – August 10, which will give local employers and workers an opportunity to experience the river while enjoying a stress-free lunch.

For more information about our river tours or other program offerings, please visit our website at www.rivertourblackstone.com or contact us at 401-724-2200 or 1-800-454-2882.

Riverclassroom 2006 Schedule

The Blackstone Valley Tourism Council is pleased to offer high quality, high energy Blackstone River programs at your school. Our educators are lively, talented and knowledgeable presenters. These programs will complement your students learning experience in the classroom and reflect RI/MA curriculum standards.

Pricing

$150 per hour - $200 for two hours (within 25 miles of 02860). Outside of 25 mile radius, additional travel fees may be necessary.

We can work with teachers and youth leaders to tailor your river experience for your class.

All tours conducted by qualified guides.

Contact: Blackstone River Education Coordinator:
Patricia McAlpine, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council
175 Main St. Pawtucket, RI 02860
(401) 724-2200 (800) 454-2882

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About the Chamber

The Blackstone Valley Chamber of Commerce serves the Blackstone River Valley's eleven member towns in Massachusetts: Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. The mission of the chamber is to promote the economic vitality of the Blackstone Valley, meet the needs of the Chamber's business members, while providing leadership on issues which impact the economy and quality of life in the Valley.