Sixth annual “Low Bridge High Water” Festival May 10-12
Since January 2018 the organizing committee for “Low Bridge High Water” festival has been planning this year’s event. “Once again, a great committee has worked hard to put together an interesting, fun, and celebratory canal opening festival,” said Mayor Margay Blackman who founded the event and guides it each year. In its sixth year, activities Thursday through Saturday, May 10, 11, and 12, will again include history, recreation, music, food and drink, plus new features this year.
Thursday features events that celebrate a new small industry in Brockport and Erie Canal history. At 3 p.m., there will be a ribbon-cutting and tour of the new Stoneyard Brewery facility at 85 Clinton Street. Occupying a large renovated building by the high bridge, brew tanks are in and construction continues with a goal of full operation by early summer.
Following festival tradition, Erie Canal history will be reviewed by Tom Grasso, President Emeritus of the Canal Society of NYS, at the Morgan-Manning House at 7 p.m., 151 Main Street. Mr. Grasso will present “Barge Canal Wonders & Contract 61: Building the Canal through Brockport.” This year is the centennial of the third enlargement of the Barge Canal, making the presentation timely.
Friday night marks a major change in the traditional Local Craft Beer and Cider Big Tent Event. Moving from its previous location near the Welcome Center, the event takes place on Merchant Street outside the Smoke House which was purchased by Stoneyard Brewery. There will be live music and local craft beverages from 30 breweries. VIP presale ticket access is from 5 to 6 p.m. General admission goes from 6 to 10 p.m. Proceeds benefit Brockport Community Rowing and Camp Abilities Brockport. More information: http://bit.ly/2018LBHW.
Saturday Festivities take place at The Welcome Center on Water Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Welcome Center Open House runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The day’s events include awards for the 4th grade poster contest. The posters with an Erie Canal theme appear in downtown store windows. The six award-winning posters are in A Different Path Gallery. Other young artistic talents are new features this year in music by 4th and 5th graders. The schedule of events with approximate times is:
11 a.m.: Brockport Buskers Band
Noon: Canal opening ceremony and poster awards
12:15: 4th grade choral group
12:30: 5th grade “Hill Hawk Strings”
1 p.m.: Chris Wilson’s music
2:30: Pizza Picnic
All-day events include: Bert’s Box mini workouts, Camp Abilities conference bike, Genesee Rowing Club “Learn-to-Row” demonstrations and signup, Erie Canal Boat Company kayak rentals, and Mom’s Club activities. Seymour Library teens’ group will lead kids’ activities: Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Mule, face painting, coloring station, and ring toss.
The event sponsors are: Alicia Fink Jewelry; Brockport Lions Club; Brockport Merchants Association; Brockport Rotary Club; Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor & NYS Canal Corporation; Greater Brockport Chamber of Commerce; Java Junction; Pro-Brockport; Stoneyard Brewing Co.; Strong West; Sunnking; The College at Brockport; Walk!Bike!Brockport!; Wegmans; and Westside News, Inc.
For more information visit: www.facebook.com/LowBridgeHighWater
