Grants support tourism amenities and events along NY Canals for 200th Anniversary

The NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor have announced that 45 non-profit organizations and municipalities will receive 2025 NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $255,000. The grants will support eleven tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 36 events along canal waterways and the Canalway Trail.

Grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $979,087 in additional support. Now in its fourth year, this grants program has invested a total of $900,650 in amenity improvements and events to date.

New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “After 200 years of continuous operation, the Canalway wouldn’t be what it is without the communities and organizations along its 500-plus miles. This program offers us an opportunity to give back by supporting public events and needed infrastructure improvements that together make the Canal corridor an even more exciting place to live in and visit.”

Events ranging from large festivals to community celebrations and tours promise to contribute to a lively calendar of bicentennial commemorations. Infrastructure and amenity grants will fund public park improvements, kayak rental kiosks, educational exhibits, and signage that will enhance the visitor experience for years to come.

Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said: “We are thrilled to support so many municipalities and community organizations working to improve the NYS Canal System for visitors and residents. Events generate millions of dollars annually in economic impact for canal communities.”

Local tourism infrastructure and amenity grant recipients are:
•Town of Clarkson – Sans Souci Park Improvements: Replace portions of the boat launch with a new ADA-accessible boat dock and install bike racks and a universally accessible park playground.
•Village of Holley – Recreational Canal Improvement Project: Install a kayak launch, new decking, and stairs, providing visitors with better access to launching areas and rest points.
•Genesee Waterways Center, Rochester – Paddling Expansion Initiative: Kayak Kiosk: Launch a kayak rental program and improve wayfinding signage at water access points to enhance convenience, accessibility, and safety for waterway users.
Local event grant recipients are:
•The Erie Canal Family Concert
June 23, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library, Medina
Discover a treasure trove of songs and stories that washed ashore with the travelers of “Clinton’s Ditch.” Designed to entertain and engage, this concert features a variety of stringed and other musical instruments from canal days.
•Brockport’s Erie Canal Bicentennial
Celebration with the RPO
July 8, SUNY Brockport SERC
Head to the Village of Brockport to hear the iconic Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra perform folk music celebrating the village’s unique sense of place and rich canal heritage. Presented by the Village of Brockport (http://brockportny.org)
•Roc River Ride
September 13, Genesee Waterways Center
Presented by Rotary Club of Rochester – Southwest
Explore Rochester’s history and culture on a guided bicycle ride along the scenic Erie Canalway and Genesee Riverway Trails. Choose from three, seven, or 10-mile options with stops along the way for cultural presentations. All routes are accessible to wheelchairs. Riders ages 8 to 13 must be accompanied by an adult. (portal.clubrunner.ca/14431/Page/ShowHomePage)
•Erie Canal Bicentennial
Building Bricks Event
September 20 and 21, Sacred Heart Club, Medina
Create canal-themed boats, bridges, and landmarks using LEGO bricks, while competing for awards based on age and creativity. Open to all ages and abilities. Presented by Village of Medina Tourism Committee (http://orleanscountytourism.com)
•Erie Canal Arts & Craft Festival
September 26–28, Medina, Albion & Holley
Enjoy this vibrant celebration of heritage, creativity, and community spirit along the canal in Medina, Albion, and Holley. Featuring over 400 artisan vendors, a Theatre & Car Showcase, headline concert with The Voice’s Ddendyl Hoyt, and festive boat parade. Presented by Genesee-Orleans Regional Arts Council (goart.org)

See the full calendar of canal events at http://eriecanalway.org/events.
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