Bicentennial

The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to visit Lockport Locks on Aug. 10th & 11th

4 August 2024
Categories: Bicentennial

            Lockport will host a special visit by The Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, on Saturday, August 10 and Sunday, August 11 in the Lockport Locks. Tours of the replica wooden boat, constructed by volunteers at Buffalo Maritime Center, will be available at no charge to the public on both days from 11 AM – 4 PM.

            The Lockport itinerary for the Seneca Chief coincides with the popular Lockport Community Farmers Market on Saturday and with the annual LKPT Food Fest on Sunday. The appearance of the craft has been coordinated by the Lockport Locks Heritage District and Lockport Main Street, Inc.

            “We are pleased that Buffalo Maritime Center has selected Lockport as a port of call this year as a lead-up to its cross-state journey in 2025 as part of the Erie Canal Bicentennial,” explained David Kinyon, Chairman of the Lockport Locks Heritage District. “Lockport has benefitted from the tremendous craftsmanship of Buffalo Maritime Center volunteers, who constructed the Erie Traveler, which our volunteers lock through the restored Erie Canal Flight of Five every Saturday during the summer.”

            “Offering free tours on Sunday in the Lockport Locks provides visitors to the LKPT Food Fest on Main Street another reason to enjoy all that we have to offer in Lockport’s historic downtown,” remarked Grace Platt, Program Manager for Lockport Main Street. LKPT Food Fest will provide offerings from over 20 food vendors from 11 AM – 4 PM.

            The Seneca Chief was launched May 7 from the Longshed Building at Canalside in Buffalo after four years of construction by Buffalo Maritime Center’s largely volunteer workforce. The 73-foot long, 44-ton vessel will undertake a cross-state voyage in September, 2025 as part of the festivities for the Erie Canal Bicentennial and the World Canals Conference, the latter taking place in Buffalo during the week of September 21.

 

For more information: David Kinyon (716-638-1119 or [email protected])

Canal Society of New York Spring Symposium

24 January 2024
Categories: Bicentennial, History

 This in person event will take place on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024 at Monroe Community College in Rochester, NY. The symposium will include a full program of presentations followed by the annual meeting. Please register by February 23, 2024.

Winter Symposium (newyorkcanals.org)

Buffalo to Host 2025 World Canals Conference

17 December 2023
Categories: Bicentennial, Western Erie Canal

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that New York State has been selected by Inland Waterways International as the host of the 2025 World Canals Conference, an event that brings together hundreds of canal and inland waterway enthusiasts, professionals and scholars from around the world to learn about a variety of topics related to canals. The 2025 conference will be held in Buffalo as the State commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening there in 1825. The New York Power Authority, New York State Canal Corporation, and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation and Visit Buffalo Niagara, are the joint sponsors and will be coordinating all aspects of the conference.

“I am honored that New York State, and particularly the City of Buffalo, will host the 2025 World Canals Conference, providing us with the opportunity to host attendees from around the globe while highlighting a critical part of our state and nation’s history during the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal’s opening,” Governor Hochul said. “The Erie Canal has been an integral part of New York’s economy and landscape since Governor Dewitt Clinton began the 10-day inaugural voyage in Buffalo in 1825 on the newly completed canal, culminating in the famous ‘Wedding of the Waters’ ceremony in New York Harbor.”

The World Canals Conference is a key component of a comprehensive, four-month celebration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial planned at the historic Buffalo waterfront between May and September of 2025. The event will highlight Buffalo’s transformed waterfront Canalside district, which has recently seen more than $400 million in new investment including new hotels, a major sports arena, a children’s museum, retail shops and a fabulous, re-created waterway on the footprint of the original Erie Canal in the Queen City. Today, Buffalo’s Canalside attracts more than 1,000,000 persons annually.

The conference program will be vibrant, relevant and undeniably future focused as canals and inland waterways are inexorably linked with the social, cultural and economic fiber of their surrounding communities. Accordingly, the event will be structured to embrace discussion of the innovations, opportunities and challenges which are driving healthy and sustainable waterways of the world today. Sessions on waterways and communities, tourism and recreation, waterway management, historic preservation, and inclusion and accessibility will comprise a diverse and compelling conference agenda. International attendees will mark the indelible impact the Erie Canal has brought to North America and beyond and will be able to chart the course for a vibrant and promising future to be shared by inland waterways across the globe.

New York Power Authority Interim President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll said, “Our New York Power Authority and Canal Corporation family is incredibly proud to join Governor Hochul and our partners as we celebrate the bicentennial of New York State’s iconic Erie Canal on a world stage. This international event will not only showcase our still working Canal system but will also promote its continued positive impact on local economies and highlight the endless opportunities for adventure along our network of water and trailways.”

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “For nearly two centuries, the Erie Canal has connected people and commerce across our state, and as the stewards of this iconic waterway, I am thrilled to celebrate its bicentennial alongside Governor Hochul and our colleagues as we bring the international focus of the World Canals Conference back to New York State. This global gathering of inland waterway leaders and canal enthusiasts allows us to truly showcase how our continued investments in the Canal system support recreation and local businesses in canalside communities across upstate New York.”

Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Executive Director Bob Radliff said, “Buffalo is the ideal place to host this conference and I am so proud to show the world all it has to offer. Known as the ‘Gateway to the West’, the Erie Canal connected the port city of Buffalo with other cities along the Great Lakes and to the Atlantic Ocean in New York City. This historical connection is central to Buffalo’s history, and it is the major reason the city became a commercial and industrial powerhouse in the 1800’s.”

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation Board Chairman Robert Gioia said, “Canalside is honored to be selected to host the 2025 World Canals Conference. The conference will cap off a summer of celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal on the Buffalo Waterfront. Several events are planned to mark the historic milestone, which will include public art, educational programming, and tours of the replica packet boat that is being built in the Longshed at Canalside right now.”

Visit Buffalo Niagara President & CEO Patrick Kaler said, “The affordability of the ‘City of Good Neighbors’ combined with the small footprint, walkable downtown, and wealth of outdoor leisure activities including its stunning waterfront at the western terminus of the Erie Canal makes Buffalo a competitive event destination and the history we have to offer is unparalleled. I look forward to showing the world all it has to offer.”

State Senator Timothy Kennedy said, “The Erie Canal played a crucial role in the development of the City of Buffalo and all of New York and continues to be an important part of our city’s identity today. I look forward to Buffalo showing off all that we have to offer for the 2025 World Canals Conference, which will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Canal. Congratulations to all who worked to secure this important event for the Queen City.”

State Senator Sean Ryan said, “It will be a distinct honor for Buffalo to host the 2025 World Canals Conference as we mark the incredible 200-year milestone of the Erie Canal. This will be a unique opportunity to show Buffalo and Western New York to the world as we celebrate our history and look towards the future.”

Assembly Majority Leader Crystal Peoples Stokes said, “Buffalo is honored to host the 2025 World Canals Conference at the same time we will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal. Our waterfront has been attracting more and more visitors who are excited to learn more about the history of the Erie Canal. We look forward to exchanging good practices on canals systems and showing conference attendees from around the world how Buffalo’s Canalside has helped rejuvenate our city.”

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “When the Erie Canal opened its waterway in 1825, it ushered in a new era of American ingenuity, transforming the way bulk goods were shipped and redefining the way commercial transportation was conducted. Today, the Erie Canal is rightly recognized for its historical significance to our nation’s economic prowess and is justifiably considered to be among the most influential human-built waterways and examples of civil engineering. Having the 2025 World Canals Conference coincide with Buffalo’s celebration of the 200th anniversary of the canal’s opening will not only commemorate the renowned history of the canal itself, but it will also allow visitors from all over the world to see how Buffalo is investing in its waterfront and injecting modernity to one of the world’s most recognizable canal systems.”

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz said, “Erie County is honored to be named to host the 2025 World Canals Conference, which will shine an international spotlight on the world-famous Erie Canal and its’ western terminus here at Canalside. The Erie Canal was the Internet of the early 1800’s and connected this then- sparsely populated region to the world, forever changing the face of not only Erie County but New York State and North America. In the 200 years since the Canal opened Erie County has grown into a thriving community and we look forward to welcoming our guests and showcasing who we are at the 2025 conference.”

City of Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said, “Buffalo is proud to host this international delegation at Canalside. The city’s famous grain elevators, outdoor recreation and unique architecture make it an excellent choice for the 2025 World Canals Convention. We look forward to welcoming you to our waterfront.”

Inland Waterways International President Rudy Van der Ween said, “Inland Waterways International is eagerly looking forward to discovering Buffalo and the wider region with a large delegation of its members – coming from no less than 27 countries worldwide – on the occasion of the World Canals Conference 2025! We are sure that the host city from NY/USA will make it an unforgettable event!”

The upcoming conference in Buffalo will mark the fourth time in recent years that New York State has hosted this international event. It was previously held in Rochester in 2000 and 2010, and again in Syracuse in 2017 which marked the 200 years since the start of construction of the Erie Canal in 1817. Specific details regarding the 2025 World Canals Conference will be announced as conference planning gets underway.

Enterprising Waters

17 September 2018
Categories: Bicentennial, History

The New York State Museum will open the second and final phase of its exhibition Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal on Saturday, September 22.
The first phase of the exhibition opened in September 2017 and focused on the circumstances leading up to building the canal and the canal’s construction. The second phase of the exhibition focuses on the Erie Canal’s growth, politics, industries and legacy.
On display through October 20, 2019, the exhibition honors the bicentennial anniversary of the Erie Canal’s construction and features artifacts, images, posters and documents from the collections of the State Museum, State Archives, State Library and cultural institutions from across the state.
The second phase of the exhibition explores life on the canal, the growth and legacy of the canal, and the barge canal still in use today. A key artifact on view through November 2018 is the original “Wedding of the Waters” keg, on loan from the New-York Historical Society. The keg was used by Governor DeWitt Clinton to pour the water of Lake Erie into the Atlantic Ocean on November 4, 1825 as part of the celebratory ceremonies marking the completion of the Erie Canal and commemorating the canal’s connection of New York’s inland waterways to the ports of New York City.
When the canal opened in 1825, it unlocked the Western interior for trade and settlement, and made New York City the nation’s most powerful commercial center. As one of the largest public works projects in American history, the Erie Canal also inspired a nationwide transportation revolution. Thousands of people poured into New York to work on or along the canal, or just to pass through. Though the canal would eventually be superseded by the railroad, a heady mixture of innovation and determination, and the industrious seeking and creation of wealth, was cemented in the American character.
The purpose of the Erie Canal was always commercial, but since the 1980s New York State has focused on the quality of life for canal communities and promoting heritage tourism. Today, recreational boaters from around the world use the New York State Canal System. New visitor centers and bike paths line the canals and invite tourists to learn about the past.
The State Museum is a program of the New York State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 am to 5 pm. It is closed on the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website.

New York State Canal Conference

15 August 2018
Categories: Bicentennial, Canal NY, History

ONE WATER: NEW YORK HARBOR
OCTOBER 14 – 16, 2018 | HILTON GARDEN INN, STATEN ISLAND

One Water, New York Harbor is the theme for the 2018 New York Canal Societies’ Canal Conference to be held on October 14th. – October 16th. at the Hilton Garden Inn, Staten Island NY.
The conference will celebrate the role that New York Harbor has played in the success of the State’s historic inland waterway system. As New York State continues to celebrate the Erie Canal Bicentennial, New York Harbor is the perfect venue to commemorate the Centennial of The Erie Barge Canal.
Attending this conference will provide an incredible look into the value the Erie Canal played in New York Harbors
The Canal Society of New York State was formed in Buffalo in 1956 at the annual meeting of the New York State Historical Association. In that first year, membership was open to anyone interested in the history, folklore, and engineering of former canals and the present condition of the state’s remaining man-made waterways. This is still he primary focus of Canal Society Members today.
More than 50 years later, the Canal Society of New York State has an active membership and still organizes two field trips per year as well as an annual symposium, regular tours of European Canals as well as other smaller events. The Society has compiled a high-quality collection of canal artifacts, artwork, books and papers. You can learn more about the Canal Society of New York State on their website http://www.newyorkcanals.org
https://www.nyscanalconference.org/

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 13 – PRE CONFERENCE TOUR (TBD)
10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Boating with the Baymen: Long Island/South Bay Tour
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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14 – COMMUNITY DAY PROGRAM
12:00 pm
Registration opens for Community Program only
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1:00 pm
Vans depart hotel
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2:00 pm
Interactive Staten Island Ferry Cruise to Manhattan (Ferry ride is 1 hour RT)
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3:15 pm
Walking Tour of St. George Waterfront/North Shore Promenade with stops and tastings at the Flagship Brewery and Oyster Bar
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5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Reception at Arts at Urby – will include remarks and exhibits featuring “Heroes of the Harbor”
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7:00 pm
Dinner on own (will provide maps and restaurant options within 1 to 2 block away)
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 15

6:45 am – 3:00 pm
Registration
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7:00 am – 8:00 am
Continental Breakfast
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8:00 am – 9:40 am
Welcome by Conference Chair, Conference Overview & Sponsor Recognition Welcome by Borough President, North Shore Representative & South Shore Representative
Welcome & Presentation by Host Community (Naomi Sturm & Dan Ward)
Presentation by NYS Canal Corporation & NY Power Authority
Presentation by Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission
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9:45 am – 10:15 am
BREAK and Refreshments in Exhibitor Space
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10:15 am – 11 am
Revitalizing Staten Island’s Commercial Waterfront
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11:00 am – 11:15 am
BREAK
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11:15 am – 1:00 pm
Luncheon & Program – New York’s Empire State Trail (Andy Beers)
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1:15 pm – 5:30 pm
Mobile Workshops
(1.) Staten Island Ferry, Lower Manhattan Walking Tour/Canal Slips and South Street Seaport
(2.) Arthur Kill Boat Graveyard, Conference House & “Graves of Arthur Kill” Film Screening
(3.) Sailor’s Snug Harbor & Noble Maritime Collection
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5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Registration
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6:00 pm– 7:00 pm
Reception with exhibitors (cash bar/light hors d’oeuvres)
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7:00 pm – 9:30 pm
Dinner and Awards Presentations
Special Presentation: Water Way Youth Video
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16
7:30 am – 11:00 am
Registration
________________________________________
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Continental breakfast with Exhibitors
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9:00 am – 9:45 am
Break-out Sessions 1
(1.) Barge Canal 100th Anniversary
(2.) Billion Oyster Project
(3.) Coastal Storm Risk Management
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9:45 am – 10:30 am
Break-out Sessions 2
(1.) Developing the Genesee River Waterfront
(2.) Interpreting Erie Canal History & Heritage
(3.) New York’s Iconic Attractions on the Water
(4.) Reimagine the Canals
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10:30 am – 10:45 am
Refreshment break (coffee only)
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10:45am – 11:45am
Break-out Sessions 3
(1.) Matton Shipyard: Preservation & Adaptive Reuse Initiative
(2.) One Water/One Brand
(3.) Shape Your Waterfront: How to Promote Access, Resiliency and Ecology at the Water’s Edge
(4.) Waterfront Recreational Opportunities
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11:45am – 1:00pm
Boxed Lunch
© 2018 Canal Society of NYS – All Rights Reserved
Canal Society of NYS

Art Of The Erie Canal

30 April 2018
Categories: Bicentennial, History

The Art of The Erie Canal
The Erie Canal, the foremost engineering marvel of the 19th century, sparked the imagination of artists in America and abroad. On display through September 23, 2018 This companion exhibition to Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal looks at the art inspired by the canal and the opportunities it afforded artists both trained and untrained working in a variety of media, such as paintings, photographs, sketches, transfer-printed earthenware and beadwork. A selection of 60 works comes from the collections of the New York State Museum, the Arkell Museum at Canajoharie and other cultural institutions and private lenders from across the state.
These works represent just a small sample of the wealth of Erie Canal art made over the course of its first 150 years.
The New York State Museum gratefully acknowledges the lenders that have contributed to the Art of the Erie Canal exhibition:
Albany Institute of History & Art, Alexandra Anderson. Arkell Museum at Canajoharie, Dolores Elliott, Erie Canal Museum, Fenimore Art Museum, Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute, New-York Historical Society, Onondaga Historical Association, Private Collection, Rochester Historical Society, and the Union College Permanent Collection

Barge Canal Centennial Celebrations Planned For Rochester

18 April 2018
Categories: Bicentennial, Cayuga/Seneca Canals, Champlain Canal, Eastern Erie Canal, History, Oswego Canal, Western Erie Canal

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

Tugboat Roundup Waterford NY

26 August 2017
Categories: Bicentennial, Eastern Erie Canal

One of the great events of the season is once again scheduled for the weekend of Sept. 8th – 10th. Held each year the weekend after Labor Day. The Tugboat Roundup is one of the premier events on the Erie Canal each year.

2017 begins the bi-centennial celebration of the ground-breaking for the Erie Canal. With events taking place throughout the communities within the Canal Corridor, the Tugboat roundup is proud to be part of and illustrate the history of the Erie as a family oriented festival along the “Waterford Wall” at the eastern gateway to the Erie Canal.

As the name suggests, it’s all about the Boats, and Tugboats are the modern-day work horses on the Canal.

Tugboats will face-off on Saturday and Sunday competing with raw strength and piloting skills. Deckhands will toss heavy lines and “show you how it’s done”

There will be clown’s and face-painters, puppet shows, take a pony ride or jump in the bounce house. Tour boat rides on the Hudson and through the locks. Saturday ends with a great firework show over the harbour.

For one weekend each year, Waterford’s historic waterfront is transformed back into a rendering of its commercial heyday during which names like Godfrey, Coyne, Bushey Matton, Kehoe and Cowles figured so prominently along the waterfront. Tugs new and old moor stem to stern for adulation and education, enchanting the young and reminding the young at heart of days gone by.

The Tugboat Roundup is produced annually by the Town of Waterford and supported by many generous corporate sponsors. The event has grown steadily and attracts thousands of people to this sleepy canal town in the heart of upstate New York’s Capital Region.

2017 Tugboat Roundup Schedule

Throughout the Weekend, Visit Food and Craft Vendors, Souvenir stands and shore-displays.  Look for the Farmer’s Market at Lock 2.  Many of the Tugs will be open for walk-through tours, too.

All events are free, although boat rides do have a nominal charge.  Boat tickets are available at their docks.

Note that not all times are specific – mini-tugs may be going out anytime.  Push-off’s and nose to nose competitions are an involved project and are solely based on the decisions of captains, crews and other issues. 

You can expect a great, fun-filled family weekend with great people, a terrific collection of vendors, artists, displays, exhibits and really cool tugboats.  Spectacular fireworks on Saturday night!  What do you need to bring?  A camera, your family and good weather.

Friday, September 8th

 

12:00 noon – Tugs leave Waterford to join others along the Albany waterfront.  

Remember:  This is all TUGBOAT time!!

  3:45            Tugs muster at the Erastus Corning Preserve and head north on the Hudson River.  They should be in Watervliet and South Troy around 4:30 or so and soon after northbound from the Troy lock.

  5:30           Tugs start arriving in Waterford amid great celebration at the 18th Annual Waterford Tugboat Roundup.

  4:00 – 7:00   Music begins in front of the Visitor’s Center.  Bands play throughout the weekend!

 

 Saturday, September 9

 

Morning is a great time for pictures of the boats and vendors start opening around 10.

Throughout the day, the Farmer’s Market will be at Lock 2.  The mini-tugs will be doing their thing with antics up and down the canal and maybe even through the lock!  Some of the tugs will be open for walk-throughs and on shore are the vendors, demonstrations, kid’s activities, exhibits and more.  Don’t forget the new boat show at lock 2 and tours of the venerable and historic Tug Urger.   Line-splicing and knot-tying seminars will be taking place, too!   (The boat show is produced by the Eastern NY Marine Dealer’s Association, Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and Boating on The Hudson.)  

The Caldwell Belle will provide boat rides on the Hudson and by the tugs on 45-minute tours (tickets at their boat, down by the “battery”).

11:00 – 8:30          Music continues on the Grand Erie, in front of the visitor’s center.

11:00 – 12:00        “Barge Talk” Growing Commerce on the Canals and River

12:30                   Line Tossing, round 1 (at the Battery)

12:00 – dusk Kid’s activities open at Lock 2, including a bounce house and pony rides (ponies until 4)

2:00 – 3:00           “Barge Talk” Anniversary News for Canals and Updates from Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor

8:30 (or dark)  Fireworks!! 

 

Sunday, September 10

On Sunday, we’ll be doing many of the same things – and just a little bit more.  Look for the Mini-Tugs, vendors, demonstrations and exhibits.  Stop by the Farmer’s Market at lock 2 along with the boat show.  Tour the Urger, see how the locks work and more.  Some of the boats will be open for walk-through tours today, too!

The Caldwell Belle boat rides continue – from the Battery with tickets available at the boat.

10:00           The 5K walk / run “Tugboat Chug”

11:00 – 3:00 Music continues on the Grand Erie, in front of the Visitor’s Center

11:00 – 12:00   “Barge Talk” History and Story behind the 2017 Tug of the Year

12:15           Line Tossing Round 2   At the Battery

12:00           Kid’s activities resume at Lock 2

1:30 – 2:30   “Barge Talk”   9/11 Boat Lift from Manhattan, told by a captain of a tug involved.

3:30            All of this is not without reward.   Like any good festival with competitive machines and crew – we have an Award Program.   Right in front of the Visitor’s Center with awards ranging from Best Vintage Tug, to Nose to Nose, 1st Place, to Best Mini-Tug and for whoever wins the Line-Toss event.   It’s fun, light and a great way to close a great weekend.

                   Look for the People’s Choice Award too, balloting will have taken place all weekend. 

For more information on the event visit their web site at www.tugboatroundup.com

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Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Tourism Survey

17 August 2017
Categories: Bicentennial

Your opinions matter! Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is conducting an online survey to gather opinions regarding travel and activity destinations in the Corridor, including the NYS Canal System and Canalway Trail. They especially want to hear from people like you who appreciate the experiences that the Erie Canalway and its surrounding communities have to offer.

Please take part in the survey, which will take about 10 minutes to complete. Thank you!

Take the Survey!

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3661565/CanalCorp

 

 p.s. Your answers will be aggregated and will not be linked to you personally, nor will you be asked to buy anything.

Canal Splash

6 August 2017
Categories: Bicentennial, Cayuga/Seneca Canals, Eastern Erie Canal, Western Erie Canal

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