New organizer joins in Canal Days festival planning

A partnership has been formed between the Spencerport Canal Days Committee and Jim LeBeau of Beau Productions. An Ogden resident, LeBeau was the organizer behind the Northampton Park Holiday Light Show and is involved with other festivals and organizations throughout the Greater Rochester area.

According to Ginny Swarthout, 2004 Canal Days Committee director, the newly forged alliance will profit the decades old summer celebration in numerous ways.

The contacts LeBeau has, the package deals he can arrange for entertainment, and the larger network of vendors will significantly raise the quality of the festival. "Jim will be paid a percentage, a very fair percentage, of the proceeds from Canal Days." Swarthout said. "He'll be working very hard for his money." One of the plans he has is to secure corporate sponsors for the festival, something that's never been done before. The result should be a much more profitable festival than in the past, although Swarthout is quick to point out the committee doesn't want it to get too big as it would lose some of its charm.

Last year, Spencerport Canal Days went on as planned but some people felt that it would be the last, due to a lack of volunteers. Swarthout has been involved with the festival for over 21 years and she feels it is a tremendous asset to the community. "People from all over the area come to Canal Days and discover the charm of our village. I have even heard of people moving out here after attending Canal Days and seeing all that we have to offer. I wanted to see it continue and be even better."

Swarthout and committee members realized they desperately needed an infusion of new ideas and expertise. While a couple other options were explored, once they met with Jim LeBeau it was a natural fit, according to the committee. He was enthusiastic and eager to listen to their ideas and work to make Spencerport's annual canal days a success without losing its charm.

Because LeBeau's network expands far and wide, he is able to bring more to Spencerport than anyone else might and at a cost that would not be available otherwise. For example, if a band agrees to perform for another community's festival and Spencerport's, a package price can be arranged that would save money.

LeBeau will be in charge of the vendors portion of the committee which includes the artists, the entertainment and the food. With LeBeau's experience, the possibility exists that a fireworks celebration could return to Canal Days. No fireworks were held last year, much to the disappointment of many residents and festival visitors.

Canal Days will be July 24 and 25, 2004. While a lot of changes are expected, some of the old favorites such as the canal event will still be in place.

Volunteers are always needed, Swarthout said. All committees except the set-up and tear-down committees have chairmen, but workers are needed. Anyone interested in helping with any committee can contact Ginny Swarthout at The Unique Shop, 352-1350.