Latest news with #CanalDays
Hamilton Spectator
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Canal Days hits all the right notes with 2025 lineup announcement
This year's Canal Days Marine and Heritage Festival will have an all-Canadian sound with a musical showcase featuring rock icons Sloan, Finger Eleven, The Trews and Big Sugar. The City of Port Colborne has officially unveiled the musical and event lineup for the 47th annual festival, promising a holiday long weekend of free concerts, fireworks, cruises and family fun Aug. 1 to 4. 'This is one of my favourite events each year,' said Mayor Bill Steele during an announcement at Vale Health and Wellness Centre. 'We couldn't have Canal Days without our amazing media partners, sponsors and volunteers.' Kicking off Friday, Aug. 1, at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park, the main stage will open with HTZ-FM Rocksearch winners Small Town Strip Club, followed by 2024 winners The Feral Minks. Sloan and Big Sugar will headline the evening. On the Saturday, Ottawa's Boston Levi will start the evening by getting the crowd going before Finger Eleven takes the stage playing such hits as 'Paralyzer' and 'One Thing.' The Trews will close out the night with their classic songs, such as 'Not Ready to Go' and 'Highway of Heroes.' A planned rooftop concert for the Sunday was relocated due to logistical hurdles. 'I had to call (U2's) Bono and say, 'Guys, we can't have you on the roof,' Steele joked. 'He said, 'We're not coming.'' Instead, the music will continue on ground level at West and Sugarloaf Street, where U2 tribute band Desire will perform ahead of a 10-piece set by Main Event Music during a fireworks display. Steele addressed some of issues last year's festival encountered when a rowdy crowd eager to enter a free Billy Talent concert forced its way through fencing, saying steps have been taken to improve security. 'This year, we have committed to security upgrades to ensure the festival is a safe place for everyone,' he said. Capacity at H.H. Knoll Lakeview Park has been increased to 15,000, with gates opening at 6 nightly. Entry is not guaranteed to people who show up late, the city said in a press release. It is working with a festival security expert and adjusting the concert layout and entrances to improve crowd flow. A new security team, in co-ordination with emergency management partners, will oversee all safety measures. Additional rules include bag checks, no outside alcohol and a ban on smoking and pets. Lawn chairs are only permitted on Sunday at the West Street stage. Off stage, the festival brings back a suite of attractions. The 61-metre-tall topsail schooner Empire Sandy will offer cruises on Lake Erie and the Welland Canal, with discounted tickets available until June 30. The Kids Zone and Recreation Zone will return to King George Park, sponsored by South Coast Home and Sullivan Mahoney. Festivalgoers can also explore an artisan market, lighthouse tours, an indoor craft show run by the Optimist Club and a classic car show. 'Last year, (the car show) had approximately 900 antique and classic cars,' Steele said. 'All kinds of muscle cars, original 1920s Fords, Chevy Pontiacs, (they're) pretty cool cars so I encourage you to come down.' Port Colborne Historical and Marine Museum, from where Canal Days began in 1979, will host historical demonstrations and performances from Strong Water Singers and Métis Nation of Ontario. 'With each celebration, the event has grown,' said museum director Tami Nail. 'The grounds are filled with so much more marine and heritage fun for the whole family, we have games prizes and food.' The museum will have free admission. New is a Niagara Diecast Toy Show and downhill race at Vale Health and Wellness Centre. The festival will also have a sponsor-exclusive space with refreshments and air conditioning during the Sunday fireworks. GIO Rail, which signed on as presenting sponsor in 2024, renewed its commitment for four more years, alongside a $75,000 donation in sponsorship. 'We are honoured to return as Canal Days' presenting sponsor for 2025 and beyond,' vice-president and chief operating officer Neil Johnson said in a statement. Volunteers are still needed for the festival. Those interested can apply online or contact the city directly. 'We're so lucky to have the best group of volunteers, quite frankly, in the country, if not anywhere in the world,' said Steele. Full festival details and updates can be found at . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Hamilton Spectator
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Early bird tickets on sale: Empire Sandy cruises returning to Canal Days festival
The Empire Sandy cruise ship will again set sail from Port Colborne this summer. The 61-metre-long masted ship will return to the Canal Days Marine Heritage Festival running July 31 to Aug. 4, bringing with it a slate of cruises for passengers looking to experience Lake Erie and the Welland Canal . Early bird tickets are on sale to board the iconic topsail schooner during its festival run, with discounts available until June 30. Empire Sandy events will include two-hour cruises and full-day journeys. The city said cruise options include a daylong trip along the Welland Canal or shorter excursions through the waters of Lake Erie. Among highlights is a sunset cruise, for which passengers can 'experience the magic of Lake Erie at dusk,' and a fireworks cruise that promises 'a memorable evening sail under the stars complete with front-row views of Port Colborne's annual boat parade of lights and spectacular fireworks display,' the city said in a statement. Canal Days is Port Colborne's signature summer event, drawing tens of thousands of people to the city's waterfront eon the civic holiday long weekend for live entertainment, heritage programming and water attractions. For ticket pricing, schedule details and online booking, go to . Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fairport Canal Days: Celebrating the Erie Canal's bicentennial
FAIRPORT, N.Y. (WROC) – With summer just around the corner and families looking to get out of the house for weekend fun, many chose to stop by Fairport's annual Canal Days! Despite construction happening on Main Street in the Village of Fairport, right along the festival's normal setup path, folks still went to Canal Days Saturday afternoon and enjoyed all it had to offer. Canal Days vendor and Owner of The Hair Jewelers, Brandon Solz, shared his favorite part of the festival. 'The people make the festival, the great people,' Solz said. 'As long as the people keep coming, we'll keep showing up as vendors.' More than 150 vendors set up shop in downtown Fairport for the weekend, all working to make the festival happen. Vendor and Owner of Neens McQueens Charcuterie, Grazing Tables & More, Christina Baker shared her appreciation for the camaraderie taking part in the festival creates. Brighton to hold bike giveaway at Bike Rodeo 'The family of food trucks or vendors is incredible. We work together, and if somebody's short something or somebody runs out of something, everybody is helping each other. It's a real family,' Baker said. There's a special element to this year's Canal Days. The community is also celebrating the Erie Canal's Bicentennial. The 363-mile-long water system was completed in October 1825 and remains a focal point for similar festivals across the region. Solz, who is originally from South Africa, explained why he appreciates the local history. 'I've done a bit of research, and the Erie Canal fascinates me in particular,' Solz said. 'Such an incredible achievement and feat, especially back when they did it. To have been able to live in this area and learn so much about it is incredible.' Canal Days is slated to continue through Sunday. A complete list of vendors and events happening can be found on the festival's official website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fairport Canal Days 2025 is this weekend, here's what organizers say you can expect
FAIRPORT, N.Y. (WROC) — The 2025 Fairport Canal Days festival sets sail this weekend. 'We work for a whole year, getting, planning for this great weekend,' said Doug Sharp the president of the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association, 'it's here and gone, but just seeing it all come together is just really important.' Sharp says they put a lot of effort into making the event as great as they can, from the food and art to the music. 'We actually start 12 months ago. When the festival's over, we really try thinking about the next year,' said Tim Forester, the Fairport Canal Days music director. 'We really believe we're an arts festival first, and as an arts festival, we're very cognizant that we don't want music that's going to drawn out — or not be cohesive — with what the artists are trying to do.' One of those performances is by the Daniel King Band, and this is not the group's first time at the festival. 'One of the biggest impressions that I can recall,' said Daniel King, 'is seeing so many people walking by and stopping and listen to us playing. It was so gratifying.' Everyone can look forward to the annual Duck Race, with a special one for the Erie Canal's 200th year, which comes with a $200 prize for the winner. And even with all the road work going on, Canal Days Co-Chair Ian Winner says it shouldn't impact the fun. 'The village is completely open so we were fortunate enough we had no reduction in artisan vendors or food vendors this year,' said Winner. 'We have more shuttles, and you can walk through the construction zone. So, you can come in from the north side of the village as well. Really it's the same size festival we were able to pull off with just a smaller footprint.' Fairport Canal Days kicks off tomorrow at 4:30 with the chicken BBQ. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Forbes
01-05-2025
- Forbes
Erie Canal Anniversary Offers Vacation Fun And Festivities
The Lockport Locks on the Erie Canal in Lockport, New York are an integral part of the waterway's navigation system. The Erie Canal, which passes through more than 200 New York State municipalities, celebrates its 200th anniversary this year. The 363-mile waterway and adjacent recreational trails are well-known by locals but unknown by many out-of-state travelers. Festivities are planned throughout the anniversary year, beginning May 16, when the New York State canal system opens through Nov. 3 for recreational and commercial vessels. Recreational vessels can use the waterway free of charge. The opening celebration — a parade of vessels — will be held north of Albany in Waterford, where the Erie Canal meets the Hudson River. 'There's no better time to explore and enjoy the Erie Canal,' says Jean Mackey, the deputy director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. 'Communities and attractions from Albany to Buffalo are rolling out the red carpet with exciting events, bicentennial concerts, tours and historic voyages. And, as always, visitors will find outstanding recreational opportunities along the waterway and the 360-mile Erie Canalway Trail.' The Eric Canal offers lots of recreational activities in Fairport, New York. Canal Days is scheduled for June 6-8 in Fairport, a Rochester suburb. The event is an arts festival that, according to New York State Tourism officials, may attract more than 100,000 visitors. Cycle the Erie Canal, a tradition in its 27th year, is scheduled for July 12-20. More than 600 cyclists will embark on a 400-mile ride along the Erie Canal towpath and part of the Empire State Trail from Buffalo to Albany. The 2025 World Canals Conference is set for Sept. 21-25 in Buffalo. Canal enthusiasts, historians, engineers, environmentalists, artists and lesiure travelers, according to the state officials, are expected to attend. Attendees can listen to talks by inland waterway experts and participate in canal-themed excursions. Leisure travelers have lots of choices when trying to decide which portions of the canal might make the most exciting vacation experience. 'It's hard to choose a specific portion as the most exciting, because each region of the canal is distinct and varied with small towns and bigger cities, set against the backdrop of the incredible history and beauty of America's most famous human-made waterway,' Mackey says. 'From boat rentals and tours to multiday bike rides to visiting state and national parks, there's plenty to explore on and off the water no matter where you begin a trip.' In many canalside locations, travelers can sample 'regional culinary traditions and specialties,' Mackey adds. They include Utica greens (escarole, prosciutto and pickled hot cherry peppers with a cheesy breadcrumb topping), chicken riggies (pasta with chicken and peppers), tomato pie, Syracuse salt potatoes, Buffalo chicken wings or a Rochester garbage plate (hamburger, sausage or hot dog meat atop home fries, French fries or macaroni salad). Mackey suggests that leisure travelers begin in one of the major cities that developed along the canal — Albany, Syracuse, Rochester or Buffalo — and then explore the waterway. The Erie Canal and New York State's other canals are segmented and managed by a series of locks, lift bridges, guard gates and movable dams that control water flow and vessel traffic. The New York State Canal Corporation, a subsidiary of the New York Power Authority, operates the New York State Canal System, which includes 35 locks on the Erie Canal and 22 others on the Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca canals. An average of 2 to 3 million gallons of water are used for each locking, and, last year, the corporation logged 73,569 lockings. Besides overseeing 524 miles of navigable waterways, the corporation operates and maintains about 150 miles of the canal trail that spans 365 miles of walking and biking paths between Buffalo and Albany and from Albany to Whitehall. In 2023, nearly 4 million people used the canal trail for recreational activities, the corporation says.
