Join us! Sunday, May 18 at Central Falls Landing

Third Annual Fish Migration Parade hits the water in 2025!

Space limited, reserve your spot today!

RSVP for a kayak ($5)

FULL - Seat aboard the Explorer

If you’d like to participate, but the cost presents an issue, please email us to reserve your spot.

About this Event:

This is the third annual Spring Migration Parade to celebrate the Blackstone River and the hopeful restoration of migratory species such as herring by constructing fish passage around the lowest four dams on the Blackstone River.

We’ll have family-friendly crafts and hear from local speakers on the importance of this work. Then, we’ll paddle or take a boat ride together about half a mile from Central Falls Landing (15 Madeira Ave, Central Falls, RI 02863) to Lonsdale Marsh to explore the eventual spawning grounds for migratory fish.

All are welcome! Registration is be required to reserve a kayak or a seat on the Explorer, but others are welcome to join and listen to the speakers and watch from shore - either at Central Falls Landing or across the River at Blackstone River Glass Center at 30 Meeting St in Cumberland.

Organizing partners include Save the Bay, Blackstone River Watershed Council/Friends of the Blackstone, Blackstone Valley Tourism Council, Blackstone Heritage Corridor, and members of the Blackstone River Commons Project.

Coffee, snacks, and other special treats generously provided by Apothica Cafe.

Parking is available on site and next door - generously supplied by Club Madeirense.

Agenda: 

10:30AM Check In, sign your paddling waiver, and craft a fish hat craft to take with you, or get your face painted!

11:00AM Speaking portion, including the RI Federal Delegation, local Mayor, Narragansett Indian Tribe, Hassanamisco Nipmuc Band, and the RI Dept. of Environmental Management highlighting the importance of this work to restore migratory fish to the Blackstone River

11:30ish - 12:30 Floating Fish Parade hits the water! We’ll paddle together from CF Landing to Lonsdale Marsh (or enjoy a trip aboard about the Explorer) for about 1 mile total (see anticipated route below), while listening to renowned singer and drummer Jeff Pegram, a contemporary Native Tsalagi Nation (Cherokee) singer and composer with local roots in RI who will be aboard the Explorer.

1:00 Event ends

Please note: We currently do not have a rain date scheduled. In the event of inclement weather requires cancelation, we will contact you.