05-06-2025
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.
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