Eddy L. Harris, author of the critically acclaimed Mississippi Solo will be at the National Great Rivers Museum to host a book signing on Sunday, January 22, 2012.  He will read from his memoirs and discuss his adventure in canoeing from the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Minnesota to the mouth in New Orleans, Louisiana.  Eddy also wrote Native Stranger, South of Haunted Dreams and Still Life in Harlem.

Mississippi River Water Trail Association Meetings

Monthly Meetings:  February 29, March 28, April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25 ~ 5:30 at the National Great Rivers Museum.  The Mississippi River Water Trail Association is seeking new members.  Please call 618.462.6979 for more information.


Public Events ~ Open to anyone
Family Campout
May 19-20, 2012 ~ 4 p.m.
National Great Rivers Museum, Alton, IL
Attendees campout on the grounds along the Mississippi River at the National Great Rivers Museum.  An evening campfire dinner and morning breakfast are served.  Fun activites such as games, storytelling, and star gazing programs are offered at night.  After breakfast campers pack up and drive across the river to the Ellis Bay Water Trail site and spend the morning testing out different kayaks and canoes. 
Starts:  4 p.m. Saturday through 12 p.m. Sunday.  Family of up to four $50, additional people $10 each, must pre-register. 
To register, please call 618.462.6979.

Riverlands Paddle Festival
May 20, 2012 ~ 11 -4 p.m.
Ellis Bay at the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Alton, MO
Riverlands Paddle Festival is held from 11 -4 p.m.  Approximately 40-50 different types of canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddle boards will be on display for attendees to test out.  A $5 per person fee is charged to cover the American Canoe Association insurance.   All attendees must register and sign a waiver.
All boats, paddles, PFD's are provided.  Attendees will want to bring the proper shoes (sandals and flip flops not recommended), sunscreen, snack, water and hat. 
NOTE:  All paddlers must be 18 years old or older to paddle solo.  Kids 15 and over can paddle solo with a parent/guardian consent.  Kids 14 and younger can paddle with a parent/guardian in a tandem kayak , canoe or Stand Up Paddle board.  There will be a $5 fee charged per person to cover the American Canoe Association
insurance

Riverlands Rush
September 22, 2012
Teams sign up to rival against each other in a fun and friendly adventure race that treks through the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary.  Fees apply.   Teams need to be prepared with bug spray and sunscreen.  Water and equipment will be provided.  A kayak course will be part of the race along with possible archery, knot tying, map reading, rock wall climbing, fishing, bird I.D. and bird house building.

Click here for more information on the Summer Of Paddling