Celebrating the James
Celebrating the James at Hardywood!
October 23, 2023, 5 PM-9:00 PM
Hardywood Craft Brewery at West Creek
820 Sanctuary Trail Dr.
Richmond, VA 23238
Having trouble with the registration form? Try this link.
Join the James River Association for a night to remember! We’ll be celebrating the James River and everyone who has worked hard to protect and restore it.
During our program, we will be acknowledging our James Changers of 2023 and releasing the most recent update of the State of the James!

*Raffle Tickets are now Closed* This year we are offering a raffle drawing during the event! Choose from the Adventures on the James Raffle ($25 per ticket), the Luxury on the James on the James Raffle ($100 per ticket), or both! You do not need to be present to win, but we definitely recommend it!
Adventures on the James Raffle ($25/ticket)

Yellowfin 120 Kayak (Demo Model)
The Yellowfin 120 is your ultimate choice for speed and stability in a recreational or fishing kayak. With the Yellowfin 120, you can cover more distance quickly with ease due to its innovative hull design that provides unwavering stability. The wide-open deck and ample storage space allows comfortable standing and enough room to haul your gear for remote camping adventures or navigating salt flats to catch reds!
Valued at $800
White Water Raft Trip for Six
Experience the only Class III-IV white water rapids in a major U.S. city! You’ll see why Outside Magazine named Richmond its “Best River Town.” We start just outside of downtown in the beautiful urban forest of the James River Park System. With the Richmond skyline laid out in front of us, here’s your chance to experience the Lower section of the mighty James River through downtown! This trip is generously donated and guided by Riverside Outfitters. The trip will take place on a mutually agreed upon date determined by the winner and Riverside Outfitters.
Valued at $500
Luxury on the James Raffle ($100/ticket)

Wine Cruise on the James for 20
Enjoy a luxurious wine cruise on the James for you and 19 of your guests. This wine cruise, captained by David Napier features Hardywood beers, Barboursville wines and elegant appetizers by White House Catering. This cruise will take place on a mutually agreed upon date determined by the winner and David Napier.
Valued at $2,500
Wine and Oyster Cruise on the Spirit of the James!
A fantastic opportunity to learn more about the Oysters we love to eat and the wine we love to drink while cruising on the James River on JRA’s Spirit of the James education vessel. Join JRA CEO Bill Street and feast upon a variety of oysters from the Chesapeake Region and the East Coast, as well as taste selected wine pairings. This cruise can accommodate up to 20 people, and must be taken from the location where the Spirit of the James is docked on the selected date. This cruise will take place on a mutually agreed upon date determined by the winner and JRA staff.
Valued at $2,000
Thank you to our 2023 Celebrating the James sponsors!
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in supporting the James River Association’s mission to protect and promote the health of the James? Sponsoring ‘Celebrate the James at Hardywood’ is a great way to support JRA’s mission while demonstrating to the community you value one of Virginia’s most important natural resources.
Learn more about Sponsorship Opportunities: Celebrating the James at Hardywood Sponsorship Packet (7/23)
Any questions about sponsorship opportunities can be forwarded to Jo Blanton, jblanton@thejamesriver.org.
More details to come soon!
Andrew Alli is a Richmond, Virginia native. After being inspired by a busker playing harmonica on the street one day, he hit the local music store with a harmonica of his own. From that point on, Andrew committed himself to learning the history of the instrument. He very soon fell in love with the blues and began studying all of the harmonica greats including Big Walter Horton, Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Junior Wells, and more. He has developed his own unique style of playing, while still paying his respects to his biggest influences from the past. Throughout the years he has toured with dozens of musicians both domestically and abroad.
Together, Andrew and Josh provide a unique blend of acoustic blues, folk, and soul music with an honest and loving approach.
