For Immediate Release: 05/14/2015
Contact:
Shane Mahar | shane.mahar@thruway.ny.gov |
Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300
MEDIA ADVISORY: VILLAGE OF WATERFORD AND THE CANAL CORPORATION TO CELEBRATE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OPENING OF THE WATERFORD FLIGHT OF LOCKS AND THE SEASONAL OPENING OF THE CANAL SYSTEM
Friday, May 15
Media are advised to arrive no later than 10:15 a.m.
10:30 a.m. Flotilla
11:00 a.m. Ceremony and Press Conference
Lock E-2
20 5th Street
Waterford, New York 12188
Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton
State and local officials
On May 15, 1915 the Waterford Flight of Locks opened as part of the New York State Barge Canal. The Flight replaced the 16 original locks that were used to raise the boats from the Hudson River, around the Cohoes Falls, to the level of the Mohawk River. It was an engineering marvel that made the Erie Canal and upstate New York integral to the economic success of the United States.
On Friday, the Waterford Flight celebrates 100 years of service on the Erie Canal. This anniversary coincides with the opening of the 191st consecutive season of navigation on the Canal system. A re-enactment of the grand opening of the Flight and a ceremony at Lock E-2 will commemorate this historic event.
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The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles, the waterways link the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes, Niagara River and Lake Erie with communities rich in history and culture. For more information about the New York State Canal System, vacation opportunities and events call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.ny.gov.
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