Village of Holley and Local Events Receive Grants Supporting Tourism Along NY Canals
The NYS Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor recently announced that 41 non-profit organizations and municipalities will receive 2026 NYS Canal System Tourism Infrastructure and Event Grants totaling $207,953. The grants will support 11 tourism infrastructure and amenity improvements and 31 events along canal waterways and the Canalway Trail.
Grants range from $500 to $24,000 and will leverage an estimated $808,104 in additional support. Now in its fifth year, this grants program has invested approximately $1 million in amenity improvements and events. A list of all the 2026 grant recipients is available at. https://eriecanalway.org/resources/grants.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Ben Walsh said, “As we begin our third century of operation, ensuring that New York’s canals can be enjoyed by everyone is a top priority. This grant program represents our commitment to supporting accessibility, as well as the corridor’s communities and nonprofits. This in turn ensures a Canalway that is a vibrant, accessible destination for both residents and visitors alike.”
The Village of Holley is receiving a grant to enhance the Canalway Trail with bike racks, a repair and charging station, LED lighting, and an enclosed pavilion to support year-round community use, tourism, and safety.
Area events receiving support include:
- Hero’s Path: MCC to Brockport May 2, Brockport (brockport.edu)
Cycle the Canalway Trail from Monroe Community College to SUNY Brockport in support of military and veteran students and their families. The ride will be followed by a celebration at the Bicentennial Bridge in Brockport. Adaptive equipment will be available to rent, and spectators are welcome. - Thursdays at the Farm
Thursdays, June 11–October 15, Rochester (homesteadsforhope.org)
Head to Homesteads for Hope’s 55-acre canal-side farm for a signature summer series, featuring live local music, food trucks, a farmers’ market, and family-friendly activities in an inclusive, welcoming setting. - Semi-quincentennial Building Bricks Event
June 13, Medina (villagemedina.gov)
Honor our nation’s 250th birthday at a one-day, all-ages event where participants build brick creations that represent America’s founding. Compete for age-based and creativity awards on the eve of Flag Day, where builders may even recreate the American flag in bricks. - 2026 Summer Serenades Opening Celebration
July 7, Brockport (brockportny.org)
Kick off a summer of live music in Brockport with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at a free family-friendly concert at SUNY Brockport’s Special Events Recreation Center. - Erie Canal Artisan Festival
August 28–30, Holley (goart.org)
Enjoy this vibrant celebration of heritage, creativity, and community spirit. Artisan vendors, live performances, cultural demonstrations, children’s activities, evening concerts, outdoor movies, and a Saturday 5K/10K canal-side run round out a weekend of fun. - ROC River Ride 2026
September 11, Rochester (rochesterswrotary.org)
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 8–13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said:“We’re proud to support these community events and improvement projects. When we work together, we make the Canalway Corridor a more welcoming place for everyone—offering more ways to enjoy the waterway and strengthening heritage tourism. I encourage everyone to check out the events and mark your calendars for the 2026 canal season.”
Find exciting events all year long to celebrate canal heritage, recreation, arts, music, and the beauty and bounty of the Canalway Corridor at http://eriecanalway.org/events.
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