Premier Events

BLESSING OF THE FLEET May 25, 2008

    

The Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce will host the 28th Annual Blessing of the Fleet on Sunday, May 25, 2008.  Participants line up and follow the Bonnie Belle upriver to Casino Island where their boats will be blessed by area clergy.  Blessing of the Fleet originated in the Greek islands and was brought to the United States by the Greek people.  the blessing originated as a community effort to send off the fleet of seagoing vessels and their crews with prayers for safe passage and prosperity.  The local blessing occurs opposite Casino Island and the Bonnie Belle is fitted with a speaker mounted on the bow so that the clergy can share in the blessing.  As Memorial weekend is the unofficial beginning of summer boating and fishing season, it seems and appropriate time for the blessing. 

THUNDER IN THE BAY  June 20-22, 2008

June 21-22, 2008 brings a special excitement to Alexandria Bay with the annual 1000 Islands Poker Runs. 

Poker Runs America 1000 Islands Poker Run Alexandria Bay

On Friday June 20th Thunder in the Bay comes to town. The first poker run of the season will be hosted by the Edgewood Resort in Alexandria Bay. Don’t miss the excitement of seeing some of the top powerboats in the country. 

The boats will be arriving in Alexandria Bay on Friday and will be on display at the Village docks for all to see. There you can meet with the drivers and crew.  Upper James Street will feature manufactures display on Friday and Saturday. At 10 a.m. on Saturday the boats will fire up their engines and get ready for the run on the beautiful St. Lawrence River. At the completion of the run the winning poker hand will be determined at a dinner for the crew at the Edgewood Resort. On Sunday June 22nd from 10 a.m. until 2 p. m. the boats will be on display along with a classic car show on upper James Street. Don't miss this great family event.

For more information call the poker run hot line (800) 354-9145, the Edgewood Resort (888) 334-3966 or the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce (800) 541-2110

Thousand Islands River Run - Motorcycle Rally June 27-29, 2008

1st Annual 
Thousand Islands River Run
Motorcycle Rally
June 27-29, 2008

   

FOURTH OF JULY FIREWORKS July 4, 2008

The evening air was cool, the sky was clear and bright and the crowds came in anticipation for the annual Alexandria Bay Fireworks over Boldt Castle. Many came early for a leisurely stroll through the Village streets, shopping, eating or just enjoying the company of fellow travelers. None were disappointed. 
  
The Fireworks display preformed by Auburn TelStar were the courtesy of the Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce and the many local businesses, individuals and the Town who donated to the cost of the display. 
  
The magnificent display could be seen for miles away lighting up the sky with multi color facets and reflected off the calm waters of the St. Lawrence. In a tribute to our Nation's independence, the sky shone bright with the red, white and blue colors of our flag. For the first-timers to the repeat display watchers, the fireworks display over Boldt Castle was truly a magnificent site. The 2008 Fourth of July Fireworks will be held on Friday, July 4th at dusk. JOIN US - Celebrate all that is good in the USA!  

31st ANNUAL VINTAGE BOAT SHOW July 11-13, 2008

The Antique and Classic Boat Society, Inc., 1000 Islands Chapter, is celebrating it's 31st anniversary with a vintage boat show in Alexandria Bay! The show will be held on July 8th. Proceeds from the event will benefit local charities.   

The event kickoff is on Friday, July11th is a reception and cocktail party at the Boldt Yacht House. Amidst the setting of the architectural marvel   and the collection of vintage boats, the guest will enjoy an abundance of delicious hors d'oeuvres. The cost for the event is $15 per person and reservations are requested.  

The weekend event continues on Saturday, July 12th with the Vintage Boat Show that draws annually 60-70 boats. The James Street Village Docks will showcase the boats, many that have toured the St. Lawrence for 25, 50 or even a few 75 years. The Boats will be on display for viewing from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The boats will be judged by a committee in over 25 categories including Type/Class awards; Builders Awards; and Special Awards.
   
Sunday, July 13th there will be a 'Dutch treat' brunch and awards presentation at the Bonnie Castle resort at 10:00 AM.   Registration forms for entering a vintage boat in the event can be obtained by writing to Boat Show Chairman, P. O. Box 800, Alexandria Bay, NY 13607 or calling 482-2636.   

BILL JOHNSTON'S PIRATE DAYS August 8-17, 2008

Bill Johnston's Pirates Days - August 8-17, 2008 

Welcome to Alexandria Bay, in the beautiful Thousand Islands, New York. Alexandria Bay is home of Boldt Castle, situated on Heart Island, and the proud home of the Famous "Bill Johnston's Pirate Days."  The following is a list of our 10 days filled with family fun and special events.  Our sword-fighting group, known as the 'Tales from Remikreh,' will be performing throughout the Village streets and at various Route 12 locations. Be sure to stop by and visit the Entertainment tent for a list of activities planned for that day.  Also visit our life size chessboard at the Entertainment Tent all week to see if you have a worthy opponent. Enjoy!

 

Bill Johnston was a renegade after the patriots war, who blew up the British steamer, Sir Robert Peel, hid among the 1000 Islands, and was hunted by both U.S. and Canadian authorities. The annual Bill Johnston's Pirates Days celebration commemorates some of his exploits. Fill your senses with the sound and spectacle when pirate ships attack the village from the St. Lawrence River, as the brave villagers try to stave them off. The air is filled with smoke and the sound of musket fire and cannon, and eventually the villagers succumb as the pirates invade the town. After the mayor turns over the key to the village to the invading marauders, everyone becomes a pirate.

Click here to view 2007 schedule

The Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, through the hard work of our members; sponsor all of the above events. You are invited to join in the spirit of Pirate Days and dress as a Pirate, Patriot, or Indian when attending any or all of these events. All times are subject to change. Please check the Event Board at the Entertainment Tent or at the Chamber Office at (315) 482-9531.  A band of Sword Fighting Pirates will be available during all 10 days at most events listed for photo opportunities.  The Tales from Remikreh group will be throughout the Village so BEWARE!  Please see the schedule at the Entertainment Tent for specific locations and times.  Photo opportunities always available at Pirate Face Boards located downtown. Check out local merchants for sales of event flags.  Most events are free and for the enjoyment of the public. 

Call the Chamber office for details at 800-541-2110.

 

BLUES IN THE BAY August 28 - September 1, 2008

The Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the 8th   Annual Blues in the Bay Festival during Labor Day weekend. 

Wrap up your summer with this annual event. The fabulous five-day music festival features spectacular waterfront views, a pleasurable atmosphere, and fantastic blues music.    

The concerts are performed at Upper James Street in downtown Alexandria Bay and are Free to the Public.