This summer, the New York Power Authority and New York State Canal Corporation joined forces once more for a thrilling fourth season of “On the Canals” – a jam-packed schedule of free and fabulously family-friendly outdoor adventures and escapades along the New York State Canal system, stretching from Buffalo to Albany. From kayaking to cycling, plein air painting and journeys through time exploring our historic landmarks, the program drew in a crowd of New Yorkers and out-of-towners from across the country.
But fear not, canal enthusiasts, for as summer reluctantly takes its final bow, this year’s “On the Canals” program is still kicking up a whirlwind of excitement and fun. Through September and beyond, there are plenty of free fall activities awaiting you and the whole family.
Didn’t have a chance to learn from Capt. LJ Tomboy? Not a problem here. On September 24th, October 1st, and 8th in Macedon, people of all ages and abilities can learn about the history and wildlife on the Erie Canal with the legend herself!
If you’re more of a land-adventurer, you can bike up to Champlain Canal Lock 6 in Fort Miller and take the Caldwell Belle back to Schuylerville (or do it the other way around!) with Bike & Boat Fridays, September 22nd and October 6th, with Adirondack Ultra Cycling.
Looking for more celebrations, food, and community-building opportunities, too? We have you covered.
The annual Sasquatch Festival takes place on September 30th at Skenesborough Park in Whitehall, with vendors, Sasquatch-centric authors, games, food, and a full beer garden for those 21+ years and old.
It wouldn’t be October without Locktoberfest! And we have four events that are calling your name. Locktoberfest is a celebration of the harvest season along New York State’s Canals.
First, the 10th Annual Locktoberfest is taking place in Lockport on September 30th from 10am to 7pm. The full-day celebration will feature local food, music, Lock-centric free crafts, and games. The festivities, built on the banks of the Flight of Five Locks, will host over 50 local vendors with local farm products, specialty foods, and more.
Also, on September 30th, Locktoberfest will be celebrated in Phoenix along the Oswego Canal. Activities include six bands on two stages; plus 75 vendors, crafters, and food trucks; pony rides; children’s games; and a large fireworks display to celebrate the NYS Canal System and the arts.
Then, on October 7th, head to Bellamy Harbor in Rome to enjoy live music, an artisan craft fair, arts and activities for children as well as local craft beer along the Erie Canal.
On October 14th, we’re bringing the best local products to the heart of Historic Fort Edward along the Champlain Canal for a festive day of food, drinks and fun for the whole family. Highlighting the unique history of our area, we invite kids of all ages to enjoy free activities and games. Live music lasts all day while you sample the flavors of fall from local farms, food trucks and our beer tasting tent.
We’re so excited for what’s in store this autumn and we hope you’ll join us as we celebrate fall in the Empire State.
In case you missed it, let’s look back once more at some of the exciting Canal-related events that took place in the last few weeks.
Last month in Schuylerville, Governor Hochul commemorated the bicentennial of the historic Champlain Canal which officially opened in September of 1823. During an event at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitors Center, New York Power Authority President and CEO Justin E. Driscoll and New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton presented Historic Hudson Hoosic Rivers Partnership Chairman Tom Richardson with a commemorative plaque that will be displayed at the Visitors Center to mark the occasion.
Earlier this month, we also celebrated the largest annual publicly-accessible gathering of tugboats with the Tugboat Roundup. Sponsored by the Town of Waterford, the event highlighted the mariners and the vessels that have worked on the New York State Canal system throughout the years. We thanked Captain Doin for his years of dedicated and distinguished service on New York’s Canals and congratulated him on this well-deserved recognition.
As summer bids farewell, the New York Power Authority and the Canal Corporation are committed to keeping the excitement going. So, gear up for an autumn full of fun, and let’s continue to revel in the rich history and vibrant present of our beloved Empire State!
Canalway Trail Times 