Ricky Brightwell, left, and Roger Huffman work on their latest batteau. The craft is in the process of becoming ready for the 36th annual James River Batteau Festival scheduled for June 19 to 26.
Lee Luther Jr., For The News & Advance
Cut logs were used to support the craft during construction of the Brightwell’s Mill batteau.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
The early stages of the newest Amherst County batteau waits on the grounds at Brightwell’s Mill in late April.
Justin Faulconer
Boards are played on the ground so it will swell from the moisture for a tight fit.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
Roger Huffman chisels on the newest batteau he and friends are building.
Lee Luther Jr. photos, for the New Era-Progress
U.S. and state flags wave above a new batteau under construction next to Brightwell's Mill in late April.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
Roger Huffman checks on his work.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
The skeleton of the new batteau awaits sideboards.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
Roger Huffman cuts on the ribs of a newly constructed batteau.
Justin Faulconer
Ricky Brightwell holds the level string during construction of a new batteau on his family's mill property.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
The Brightwell's Mill batteau, pictured in early May, nears completion.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
The Brightwell’s Mill batteau, pictured on May 7, nears completion. The batteau recently constructed in Amherst County will take part in the James River Batteau Festival.
Lee Luther Jr., for the New Era-Progress
Ricky Brightwell, left, and Roger Huffman put finishing touches on the batteau rudder inside Brightwell’s Mill.
Ricky Brightwell, left, and Roger Huffman work on their latest batteau. The craft is in the process of becoming ready for the 36th annual James River Batteau Festival scheduled for June 19 to 26.
The Brightwell’s Mill batteau, pictured on May 7, nears completion. The batteau recently constructed in Amherst County will take part in the James River Batteau Festival.
