The Erie Canal is filled once again and spring will be officially welcomed in the Village of Brockport next weekend during the annual Low Bridge High Water Canal Opening Festival.
The event is set for May 14 through 16 – slightly later than in years past – and will include an all-new Craft Beer Big Tent event featuring local craft beverages, signature eats and live music.
The celebration begins Thursday, May 14 at 7 p.m. at the Morgan Manning House with Tom Grasso, president of the New York Canal Society. Grasso has been a popular part of the festival since it began and this year will speak about “New and Exciting Projects for the NYS Canal System.”
The Local Craft Beer Big Tent event is set for Friday, May 15, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Water Street. The event will benefit Bring Rowing to Brockport, Camp Abilities Brockport and Camp Good Days.
Tasting tickets are $15 in advance and are available at www.tentevent.eventbrite.com, the Brockport Village Hall and the Stoneyard Brewing Company. Tasting tickets are $20 at the door. ID is required and minors must be accompanied by an adult. Five dollar general admission is also available.
A dozen local craft beverage makers including beer, wine and hard cider will take part. Brockport’s Stoneyard Brewing Company is among the Tent Event participants.
“They will be making a special Low Bridge High Water brew for the occasion,” Brockport Mayor Margay Blackman says.
Restaurants providing Signature Eats include Jimmy Z’s, Barber’s Grill & Taproom, 58 Main, Union Street Eatery, Coleen’s Cafe’, Amora’s, Java Junction, and Calios.
Big Eyed Phish – The Dave Matthews Tribute Band and the Mike Melito Quartet will provide live music.
Saturday, May 16 events include the Canal Opening Ceremony and Awards at 10 a.m. at the Barge Stage located at the Welcome Center on Water Street. Additional Saturday events at the Barge Stage include a rowing demo, kayak rentals, the Golden Eagle String Band, the Pizza Olympics at noon; Yoga on the Barge and Bollywood Dance Mania.
The Barge Charge 5K Fun Run will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday at Corbett Park on the corner of Smith Street and Clark Street Registration and packet pick-up begins at 9 a.m.
Applications are available at the Brockport Village Hall, 49 State Street, or sign up at www.yellowjacketracing.com. The race benefits the Sgt. Clifton Rife II Memorial Scholarship.
Additional information is available at: www.facebook.com/LowBridgeHighWater.
