Bareboat Charter on the Erie Canal

Where are you planning on vacationing this summer? How about a Bareboat Charter on the Erie Canal?

Wikipedia describes a bareboat charter as an arrangement for the chartering or hiring of a ship or boat, whereby no crew or provisions are included as part of the agreement, instead, the people who rent the vessel from the owner are responsible for taking care of such things.

Want to both stay close to home but also experience memories that will last a lifetime? At over 500 miles in length the Erie Canal System, or what is sometimes referred to as the New York State Barge Canal offers the New York Boater un-matched opportunities.

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Upstate Summer Magazine Canal NY Co-op Advertising Opportunity

CanalNY is always looking for ways to increase the value of your membership. We recently negotiated discounts on the great advertising opportunities, Upstate Summer Magazine and www.DiscoverUpstateNY.com.

Upstate Summer is adding a section about New York State Canals and the many recreational opportunities both on the water and on land. CanalNY members can get up to 55% off the regular rates through a special co-op agreement. Upstate Summer is different from other places-to-go publications. All advertising is focused on travel and tourism related businesses and is supported by editorial features. This makes the ads part of the content, and helps form cohesive regional sections. Upstate Summer has low cost per copy advertising rates and is the only New York travel publication offering multi-region coverage and targeted distribution in the most desirable markets.  In 2017 every distribution location used 100% of what they had by the end of the season; there was no waste.

Distribution: Upstate Summer Magazine is distributed in supermarkets in the higher income suburbs of Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, and Buffalo. We have found this to be the best way to cover a wide area because everyone in town shops at these stores and the distribution companies keep the racks full. The magazine is also available at information centers on Interstate 81 and the Thruway, as well as chambers of commerce, coffee shops, convenience stores, and other high-traffic locations across Upstate New York. 70,000 copies are printed and distributed and an online edition is available at www.DiscoverUpstateNY.com.

 

DiscoverUpstateNY is the new internet and social media platform that features destinations across Upstate New York. They are offering CanalNY members:

  • 6 –  246×196 pixel ads on website attraction pages
  • opportunity to submit events to the “Events Calendar” page and to share weekly posts on the Discover Upstate NY Facebook site
  • an Advertising Listing (with logo or image plus 100 word writeup and link) on the Advertisers/sponsors page with Google analytic rankings
  • Normally a $375 value, this 1-year package is discounted to CanalNY Members for only $100

Website: www.DiscoverUpstateNY.com promotes travel, family fun, and vacation opportunities in Upstate New York.   The DUNY website and social media sites organize and publish useful content about places to visit and things to do.   It features more than 650 attractions and features hotels, B&B’s, motels, restaurants, state parks and private campgrounds, sporting attractions, cultural heritage sites, wineries, breweries, distilleries, shopping, and family fun activities.  The site is adaptive for mobile devices and offers an events calendar, interactive map, itinerary planning tool, and publishes a quarterly email newsletter.  We are affiliated with www.Expedia.com to allow visitors to make lodging and travel reservations directly from the site.  It is security-certified by MacAfee/GoDaddy to protect against hackers.

Social Media: www.DiscoverUpstateNY.com maintains active Facebook, Twitter and Instagram sites featuring information about events and offers updated 7 days a week by our social media director. The site engages in interactive as well as content marketing to assure visibility. Complimentary Instagram and You Tube channels are included.

Please look over the enclosed information and respond by February 1 if you would like to take advantage of either or both offers.

Check out the discounted ad rates  and don’t wait to take advantage of this opportunity. Our goal is to grow this into an Erie Canal Edition Only over time!

 

John Farrell

[email protected]

 

315-768-7137

 

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Canal Splash

Canal Splash

Celebrate the history, culture, recreational appeal, and beauty of the New York State Canal System and Erie Canalway Trail during the 10 days of Canal Splash!

Friday, August 11 – Sunday, August 20, 2017

Canal Splash! is a coordinated series of locally organized events and activities, that take place along the Canal System and Canalway Trail, including nature and history walks, museum and gallery exhibits, rowing regattas, kayak and canoe outings, musical performances, boat tours and more.

 

Brockport Arts Festival

Event Location: Main Street Brockport

Event Date: August 12-13th, 2017

Event Time:   10am. – 6pm

Event Cost:   FREE

Event Description: The Brockport Arts Festival is an arts and crafts fair with loads of very talented artisans, a variety of foods, music, wines and beers. It takes place on Main Street in Brockport, a classic Victorian Village by the Erie Canal.

For More Information: http://www.brockportartsfestival.com

 

Lockapalooza

Event Location: Lock 32 Whitewater Park

Event Date:   August 19th, 2017

Event Time: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm.

Event Description: One of the largest Whitewater competitions in Central New York. Watch paddlers from around the region compete in Whitewater Kayaking events.

For More Information: (585) 329-6266 or http://www.lock32.com/lockapalooza.html

 

Palmyra Pirate Weekend

Event Location:   East Main Street Palmyra

Event Date:   August 11th – 12th.

Event Cost:   FREE

Event Description: Pirates of the Erie Canal invade the Village and Port of Palmyra during the 10th annual Pirate Weekend Aug. 11th & 12th. Friday night movie at dusk: The Princess Bride. Saturday Bed Racing, 5K, vendors, food, wine tasting, music, parade, Treasure Hunt and Games, Canal Trail tours, Pirate tales and museum tours.

For More Information   (585) 368-8081 or Palmyra Pirate Weekend

 

 

Wayne County Fair

Event Location:   300 W. Jackson St.

Event Date:   August 14th – 19th.

Event Time: Events start at 9 am.

Event Cost: Admission $5 Adults-17and older, $3 youth ages 6-16 ages 5 and under FREE

Event Description: Horse Races, Music, Food and Family Fun.

For More Information: www.waynecountyfair.org

 

Sylvan Beach Canalfest

Event Location: Village Park, Sylvan Beach

Event Date: August 11th-13th.

Event Time: Friday 6pm. – 10 pm. Saturday 9 am. – 9:30 pm. Sunday 9 am.- 7:30 pm

Event Cost: FREE

Event Description: Join us at our annual Canal Fest. Great fun throughout the weekend. Enjoy free entertainment throughout the weekend with crafters, vendors, entertainment in the Village Park. Events include the Waterski Show, and concerts.

For More Information: http://www.sylvanbeachny.com/canal-fest

 

Herkimer County Fair

Event Location: Herkimer County Fair Ground

Event Date: August 15th – 20th.

Event Time: Tuesday 3 pm.-10:30 pm. Wednesday – Friday 9:30 am. – 9:30 pm. Saturday 9:00 am. – 9:30 pm.

Event Cost: Adults $10.00, Children 5 – 12 $3.00 Children under 5 FREE

Event Description: Demolition Derby, Tractor and Truck Pulls, Pageant and Junior Pagaen, Talent Showcase, Horse Show, Live Music and Fireworks.

For More Information: (315) 895-7464 http://www.herkimercountyfair.org

 

River Through Time Festival

Event Location: Haslett Park Fort Plain NY

Event Date: August 12th, 2017

Event Time: 12 noon – 4 pm.

Event Cost: FREE

Event Description: Come for an afternoon of live music, food and fun in Fort Plain.

For More Information: http://mohwakvalleycollective.com/upcoming-events

 

Taste and Tunes

Event Location: Generations Bank, 20 E. Bayard St. Seneca Falls NY 13148

Event Date: August 18th. 2017

Event Time: 6 – 9 pm.

Event Description: In Seneca County alone there are more than 3700 families in need that depend on the Seneca County House of Concern, the Seneca Falls Backpack Program and Trevor’s Gift. These organizations rely on our support as community members and business owners to help them be successful to their cause. On Friday, August 18th. 2017 from 6:00 pm – 9:00 we will be holding the 3rd. Annual Taste & Tunes Festival which features local wineries, breweries, restaurants and musicians to benefit these local charities.

For More Information: (315) 568-1151 http://directory.fingerlakesgateway.com/events/details/taste-time-3585

 

 

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Co-op Advertising Opportunity for Canal NY Members

Dear Member,

CanalNY is working with JMF Publishing to create a New York Canals section in their popular Upstate Summer Magazine. The section will comprise of multiple pages about summer recreation on and near New York State canals. It will contain a feature article, pictures and advertising. Canal New York members are eligible for special co-op advertising rates. Through this special offer the member’s rate for a basic ad size (1/8 page) will drop to $133 from the regular rate of $295. ¼ page will be $266 (regular $499), 3/8 page will be $399 and ½ page will be $532 (regular $950). The deadline for space reservation is November 15. Payment terms are net 30 and ad copy is due no later than March 1, 2018. Other details are on the attached rate sheet.

 

Upstate Summer is different from other places-to-go publications. All advertising is focused on travel and tourism related businesses and is supported by editorial features. This makes the ads part of the content, and helps form cohesive regional sections. Upstate Summer has low cost per copy advertising rates and is the only New York travel publication offering multi-region coverage and targeted distribution in the most desirable markets.  In 2017 every distribution location used 100% of what they had by the end of the season. There was no waste.

Distribution: Upstate Summer Magazine is distributed in supermarkets in the higher income suburbs of Rochester, Syracuse, Utica, Albany, and Buffalo. We have found this to be the best way to cover a wide area because everyone in town shops at these stores and the distribution companies keep the racks full. The magazine is also available at information centers on Interstate 81 and the Thruway, as well as chambers of commerce, coffee shops, convenience stores, and other high-traffic locations across Upstate New York. There is also an online edition available at www.DiscoverUpstateNY.com www.upstatenyfun.com and www.seawaytrail.com.

 

If you would like to receive a copy of the 2017 edition contact John Farrell, president of JMF Publishing, [email protected].

 

Please consider advertising and help us promote New York State Canals in 2018. Thank you.

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What’s New At Canal NY

On Sept. 27th Canal NY held a media luncheon. This year’s event was held at Pier A, an historic restaurant located in Battery Park City, overlooking NY Harbor. The event was attended by over 30 travel writers and journalists who enjoyed a great meal and presentations by or member sponsors. One of the first known benefits from the event was a live radio interview that I could participate in with Dan Schlosberg the host of Travel Itch radio. Here is the link http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ndbmedia/2016/10/14/travel-itch-radio to hear the show. The marketing committee will be following up with each of the travel writers who attended the event over the next month to coordinate future projects.

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Harborfest Oswego NY

Oswego’s Harborfest is a four-day festival which takes place each year on the last full weekend in July and is typically attended by more than 100,000 visitors.

Since its founding in 1988 Harborfest has brought to its stages more than 600 national, regional and local performing artists. The event is spread over 5 different venues throughout the city with shuttle bus service available throughout the event.

This year Harborfest will include more than 50 musical acts, and this year the Harborfest Midway will be returning and so will the classic carnival favorite, the Ferris wheel. Oswego’s own Ferris Wheel Supper Club has offered to sponsor the popular attraction that is sure to draw crowds all weekend long. Strates Shows, America’s only railroad carnival, travels the United States during a seven-month season, transporting personnel and equipment with 61 rail cars and 34 trucks. Traveling with the show are some 400 employees and families who operate the rides, games and concessions. The show and its legacy have been a fixture of Central NY for over six decades and continues the grand tradition with its third trip to Harborfest.

Again, this year you’ll be able to enjoy a Grucci Fireworks show over the Harbor on Saturday Evening. For more information on Harborfest visit their web site at www.oswegoharborfest.com

The city of Oswego is located on the northern terminus of the Oswego Canal, part of the 524 miles of navigable waterways of NYS’s Erie Canal system. If you’re planning a visit to Oswego check out www.visitoswegocounty.com for more information.

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History in your Backyard Series: A behind the scenes look at the Revolutionary War

History in Your Backyard Series: A behind the scenes look at the Revolutionary War

 

We make history fun and exciting!

Have you ever wanted to get an insider’s look into history?  Would you like to see recently uncovered artifacts that provide insight into the region’s long history, explore a historic home that served as a Revolutionary War field hospital, or interact with a “real” soldiers at a military encampment?  You can do all of this plus enjoy wine tasting, take a boat ride, and enjoy an incredible local farm to table lunch just by signing up at www.akibatravel.com. This inaugural guided tour will take you to of some of the region’s hidden gems for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Mohawk Maiden Cruises

Learn archaeologist’s techniques and view recently discovered artifacts from the Revolutionary War era; experience harsh camp life of Revolutionary War soldiers at Saratoga Battlefield’s Annual Encampment; take a boat cruise on the historic Champlain Canal; and, discover the unmarked destinations and under-told stories that provide a new look into our region’s past. We will even visit a historic home that was once a Revolutionary War field hospital and view remnants of blood stained floors, a 1777 cannon ball lodged in a beam, and the basement where the Baroness Riedesel, wife of the General Riedesel hid with her three children during the siege.

This day-long trip will begin at 8:30AM at 12 Spring St. Schuylerville, NY, and return by 5:00PM.  Farm-to-table lunch is included in the price with an add-on option for a dinner reception after the tour. Cost is $75 per person. Price includes: transportation, boat ride, guides, lunch, access to all attractions and more.

Call: 518-322-2067 or visit www.akibatravel.com for more information.

This program is presented by Akiba Travel LLC.

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Re-imagine The Canals

The Erie Canal is a wonderful part of our region, a hidden gem. But therein lies the problem. It does not matter how great the canal system and supporting communities are if no one knows about it. And that is why we are so eager to be part of the Re-imagine the Canals program. We have a three-part plan to raise awareness of the Canal and its resources and to lower the barrier of entry to the Canal system. If people know about the Canal system and feel comfortable using it, we feel they will be more likely to take advantage of what the Erie Canal has to offer.

 

The first part of our plan is to bring back and modernize the popular Cruising Guide

 

The Cruising Guide of the New York State Canal System has been a great resource for boaters looking to learn more about the Canal, but with the current version seeing it’s last update more than a decade ago, out of print and virtually unavailable, there now is a tremendous opportunity to provide the valuable information that the cruising guide can provide. To further the goal of increasing recreational boat traffic on the Canal system producing an updated guide is only the first step of this process. The plan to utilize marketing and distribution channels that are now currently available will be instrumental to not only furthering the success of the guide but ultimately the goal of increasing the use of the Canal System

 

The second part of our plan is to create a tour guide app to make navigating the waterways and the trail system easier.

 

 

The basis for our cruising app revolves around the use of a Progressive Web App (PWA) which essentially means a web site that acts like an app on your phone without needing to be re-coded for the phone. It is the best of both worlds. It is easier to update, less expensive to build and easier to maintain.

It would contain an easy-to-use wizard that walks you through initial questions, so it can customize the information for you. For instance, it would ask what you wanted to do? (it would assume boating at first, but later we can add walking or cycling) then it will ask you where you want to start or give you options if you do not know. From there it will give you ideas of where to eat, where to shop, things to do, etc. based on your intended route.

 

You could search for a specific business or browse a certain area (or the entire canal)

There would be an events calendar where upcoming events could be posted

Location-specific advertising could be added in the future, so businesses could promote themselves to visitors that are most likely to be interested.

In addition, the app could be translated into virtually any language potentially appealing to visitors from around the world!

The third part of our plan is to provide educational resources to children and families to encourage familiarity with all the canal has to offer

 

Creating an educational program directed towards elementary level students as they learn about the history of NYS and the global importance that the Erie Canal played. Imagine a class of students all using virtual reality technology to experience a trip on the Canal as they travel back 200 years and learn how the Canal transformed NYS to the global leader it is today

 

As you can see, by bringing back the Canal Guide, creating a digital tour guide, and educating children and families about all the canal has to offer, people will know about the canal and feel more comfortable taking advantage of what the Erie Canal has to offer. This in turn, will benefit the businesses and communities along the Erie Canal.

 

 

 

The Team:

   Led by the marketing committee of Canal NY, a non-profit private sector organization dedicated to the promotion of the Erie Canal since it’s formation in the early 2000’s.

   Canal NY, has a history of promoting the Canal in events such as the World Travel Market London, the NY Times travel show, including the 2018 show this January. Canal NY has participated in the World Canals Conference in Syracuse 2017. Canal NY produces a media event each year in NYC as a way for writers and media personalities within the travel industry to learn about the Canal.

Canal NY’s latest project has been the development of the www.discovertheeriecanal.com web site. Built as the tourism web site for the Erie Canal. The philosophy behind this site is the fact that the communities that surround the canal system are the key to the Canal and its success.

Canal NY has begun to participate in and help promote community festivals such as Seneca Falls Loctoberfest held last Oct. This was the first year for the event, deemed to be a tremendous success and is already planned to go from a 1 day to a multi-day event for 2018.

Future marketing initiatives include development of an online store that would market and sell Erie Canal “swag” t-shirts, hats, mugs etc. In addition, it would link to other businesses along the Canal Corridor who sell similar items.

 

If selected as a finalist in round 1, Canal NY will once again be teaming up with our partners below and their respective teams of personal to provide the Re-imagine the canals committee with a technically and visually superior product

 

 

 

   Amy Stoddard

 

  • Over 12 years of experience in marketing and design
  • Owner of Amyjstoddard.com LLC since 2008
  • Resource of multiple developers and designers to grow business through print and digital strategies

 

Timothy Corey

  • Over 20 years of experience in software development
  • Taught software development for over 5 years
  • Owner of IAmTimCorey.com, a software development training site
  • Owner of the software development YouTube channel IAmTimCorey, which has over 17,000 subscribers
  • Named a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) by Microsoft
  • Named an Intel Software Innovator by Intel
  • Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute

 

Canal NY promotes the NYS Canal system in a number of ways including events such as participation in the NY Times Travel Show, 

Canal NY can also be found promoting the Erie Canal at local events throughout the year and throughout the Season such as during last years Locktoberfest in Seneca Falls NY

 

 

 

 

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Christmas At Sea Open House & Model Train Village

 

The H Lee White Maritime Museum at Oswego is pleased to host our annual Christmas at Sea Open House on Sunday, December 10th from 1-4:30 pm.  Come and celebrate the holiday season in Oswego’s Historic Maritime District, located on the West First Street Pier. 

 

In addition to enjoying homemade cookies and punch, visitors are encouraged to enjoy new Museum exhibits, view maritime themed holiday trees and see the model train village exhibition courtesy of the Oswego Valley Railroad Association and Museum.  Santa Claus will arrive at 2:00 pm via US Coast Guard boat but there is no need to have your child wait in a long line to see him, as there will be crafts, festive stories and music to enjoy while you wait! 

 

This event is free and open to the public. The Museum and Treasure Chest Gift Shop are open daily, 1-5:00 pm for your holiday shopping convenience.  For more information call (315) 342-0480, visit www.hlwmm.org or www.facebook.com/hlwmm 

Pictured is a USCG vessel from the USCG Station Oswego delivering Santa to the West Pier at last year’s event.

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Barge Canal Centennial Celebrations Planned For Rochester

We currently travel on the third generation of the Erie Canal, commonly referred to as the “Barge Canal” 2018 celebrates the centennial of the opening of this version of the Canal system. The fact that we travel today on infrastructure designed and built 100 years ago is a great testament to the engineers and builders of the Barge Canal and the foresight of NYS to embark of its construction

The Canal Society of New York State in conjunction with the New York State Canal Corp and in partnership with the Centennial Celebration Committee are hosting two events to mark the centennial opening of the Erie Barge Canal in 2018.

When: Saturday May 5th. Canal Conversation & Symposium

Theatre at Stong Museum of Play Rochester

Join the conversation at this daylong public forum in which presenters discuss canal history and its continued value today and for the future. Registration $40, includes breakfast, coffee breaks and lunch.

Thursday May 10th. Centennial Celebration: Watering of the Erie Barge Canal

East Guard Lock just west of Kendrick Rd.

Witness the re-creation of the first inflow of water into the 20th century Erie Canal as “Teddy Roosevelt” sponsors, and other dignitaries greet the public and ceremoniously commemorate the event using the authentic shovel used 100 years ago on May 10th. 1918. Dignitaries will also unveil a bronze plaque to celebrate the designation of the NYS Canal System as a National Historic Landmark. FREE

Canal by Coach Tour: Following the festivities join Canal Society of New York State President Emeritus Tom Grasso and other experts for a guided tour by motor coach of the remarkable canal sites in eastern Monroe County Registration: $60. Includes lunch, bus, printed guide and more.

History:

On the morning of May 10th. 1918 a group of engineers, contractors, workers and a few prominent citizens gathered on the east side of the Genesee River in Genesee Valley Park to inaugurate a monumental, audacious and revolutionary accomplishment in New York State’s long and storied canal history. Water for the first time was let into the newly completed expansion of the Erie Canal or “Teddy Roosevelts Ditch”. Five days later the new Erie-Barge Canal was opened for through traffic from the Great Lakes to the Hudson River. A new era had begun.

Sponsors: New York State Canal Corporation, Canal Society of New York State, Create a Brand, City of Rochester, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Bergman Associates, and John & Eve Graham.

To register for either of the events, click here

http://www.newyorkcanals.org             http://www.bargecanal100.com

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