Judges selected 12 photographs representing the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor for the organization’s 15th Annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest. Winners were chosen from a competitive group of over 435 entries, but only the top three were selected in each of four categories. In addition, twelve photographs received an Honorable Mention.
“These remarkable images remind us that the NYS Canal System remains a symbol of strength for our communities, providing a distinct sense of place and pride in where we live, work, and play. We are delighted to share them widely,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
Winning images, including third place winners from Kyle Preston, of Brockport, and Joe Pompili, of Spencerport, capture the beauty and uniqueness of the waterway, canal communities, and landscapes. The images and complete list of winners can be viewed online at https://eriecanalway.org/gallery/photo-contests. They will also be featured in the 2021 Erie Canalway calendar, available for free at libraries, visitor centers, and by request beginning in December.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “As New Yorkers, we are lucky – it’s easy to take for granted the natural beauty around every corner. The Erie Canalway’s annual photo contest gives us an opportunity to see our waterway’s iconic infrastructure through the eyes of others and appreciate its beauty. The amateur photographers who captured these images offer a glimpse into the past, present, and future of the canal and remind us just how fortunate we are to have an amenity like this at our fingertips.”
2020 Erie Canalway Photo Contest Winners
Classic Canal
1st Place, Upper Hudson Sunrise (Northumberland) by Susan Meyer, Schuylerville
2nd Place, Trestle in Winter (Lockport) by Jeff Tracy, Lockport
3rd Place, Autumn Glory (Waterloo) by Robert Klick, Amherst
Canal Communities
1st Place, Iconic Flight (Lockport) by Alan Schwartz, Rochester
2nd Place, Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge (Amsterdam) by Frank Forte, Little Falls
3rd Place, Buck Moon Over Brockport (Brockport) by Kyle Preston, Brockport
Along the Trail
1st Place, Butternut Creek Aqueduct (DeWitt) by A.T. McLean, Syracuse
2nd Place, Sunrise on the Path (Medina) by Cory Pawlaczyk, Medina
3rd Place, Evening Reflection (Spencerport) by Joe Pompili, Spencerport
On the Water
1st Place, Sam Patch at Schoen Place (Pittsford) by Kevin Tubiolo, Rochester
2nd Place, Sunset Over Lock 7 (Niskayuna) by Sean Sullivan, Niskayuna
3rd Place, Sunset in Waterford Harbor (Waterford) by Deana Breen, Waterford
Honorable Mention Recipients (listed west to east)
Over the Bridge (North Tonawanda) by Neil Ferguson, North Tonawanda
Tug DeWitt Clinton Settles in to Fall (Adams Basin) by Susan Starkweather Miller, Albion
Bridge of Tranquility (Adams Basin) by Joe Pompili, Spencerport
Waves on the Shore of the Erie Canal (Baldwinsville) by Catherine Klapheke, Baldwinsville
Verona Beach Camping (Sylvan Beach) by David Weinberger, Lawrence
Winter on the Canal (Sylvan Beach) by Jaysree Whitelaw, Blossvale
Enjoying Life on the Erie (St. Johnsville) by Terry Potoczny, Fort Plain
Samuel Sweet Canal Store (Amsterdam / Port Jackson) by Wesley Merritt, Clifton Park
Lock 9 at Night (Rotterdam Junction) by Wesley Merritt, Clifton Park
The Falls (Vischer Ferry) by Stefanie Obkirchner, Amsterdam
Dramatic Upper Hudson Sunrise (Northumberland, Champlain Canal) by Susan Meyer, Schuylerville
Heading North (Comstock, Champlain Canal) by Frank Forte, Little Falls
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