The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and the New York State Canal Corporation have teamed up to sponsor 26 festivals and events in 2021 to showcase the Canalway Corridor’s nationally significant heritage and the tremendous recreational appeal of the waterway and Canalway Trail. Events include recreational activities, tours, concerts, and heritage celebrations.
“After a year with very few events, we are pleased to support community events that will bring people to the canals in safe and fun ways,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. “We are proud to partner with these organizations to bring people to the waterfront to experience and celebrate New York’s extraordinary canals.”
Prior to the pandemic, cultural, heritage, and recreational events within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor delivered 1.3 billion each year in economic benefits to communities. While many large events are either scaled back or postponed again in 2021, support for these smaller community events is expected to attract upwards of 50,000 people.
“The events planned for our 2021 season are sure to highlight the Erie Canal for what it really is – a scenic water and trailway steeped in rich history with boundless opportunity for adventure,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “From waterfront concerts to community celebrations of local heritage, these events will encourage New Yorkers and beyond to enrich themselves in all that Canalside communities have to offer while driving outdoor recreation and boosting the local economy.”
Local events include Summer Serenades and Pop-Up Palooza: Accessible Kayaking & Cycling Exploration, both in Brockport. Celebrate the opening of a new adaptive kayak dock at the Brockport Welcome Center during the first concert of the Summer Serenades series on July 15. The celebration is free and will include musical performances with a flotilla of kayak launches. Brockport’s Pop-Up Palooza on August 7 will include standard and adaptive kayaking and cycling equipment so the whole family can experience their first mile or 100th mile on the Erie Canal. Guests will be matched with the kayaking equipment that best meets their needs and can try out a variety of adaptive cycles.
For those who want to venture a bit farther away, highlights include Kayak Through History Tours in Schenectady, Amsterdam’s Riverfest in August, Beers, Bikes, and Barges in the Finger Lakes on August 5, Erie Canal Bicentennial Tours in the Tonawandas, Local History Cruises on the Champlain Canal in Schuylerville, Tugboat Roundup in Waterford, and Doors Open Buffalo in September.
Visit www.eriecanalway.org/explore/events for the complete list of sponsored events.
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