For Immediate Release: 09/24/2015
Contact:
Shane Mahar | shane.mahar@thruway.ny.gov |
Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300
CANAL CORPORATION AND THE CITY OF LOCKPORT ANNOUNCE SECOND ANNUAL LOCKTOBERFEST ALONG THE ERIE CANAL
A Community Festival Celebrating Autumn on the Erie Canal
The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that the second annual Locktoberfest will take place at the historic Erie Canal locks in the city of Lockport on Saturday, September 26.
The all-day, family-friendly event on Canal Street features an expanded community market, art, craft beer and wine tastings, historic lock demonstrations, entertainment, and children’s activities.
“The canal system, its history, and the tourism it attracts are vital to the upstate economy; exciting events like Locktoberfest are giving visitors reason to explore and enjoy the Canals past the spring and summer months, and well into the fall,” said Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton. “The first Locktoberfest was incredibly successful and the Canal Corporation is pleased to participate once again.”
“Locktoberfest is a great way to celebrate our canal heritage and showcase our community,” said Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey. “From local farm vendors and craft breweries to children activities and entertainment, Locktoberfest is a fantastic family friendly event that will promote Lockport tourism and support our local businesses.”
“Locktoberfest is a perfect opportunity for local and out-of-state travelers to enjoy spectacular autumn foliage at Canalside, celebrate the rich culture and history found at the Flight of Five, and enjoy live entertainment during the event’s festivities,” said Executive Director of Tourism for Empire State Development Gavin Landry. “I LOVE NEW YORK is excited to host Locktoberfest with the Canal Corporation, Department of Agriculture and Markets, Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation, and Lockport Main Street for the second year in a row, working together to put the spotlight on the Erie Canal and it’s vital role as a tourism asset in New York State.”
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "Governor Cuomo's Taste NY initiative highlights the best of New York State agriculture and goes hand in hand with the promotion of our state's greatest tourism assets, such as the Erie Canal. The New York State Canal System is the perfect backdrop for a celebration of all that we love about New York--from our delicious, locally made foods and craft beverages to our rich history. We hope everyone takes advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the height of our fall harvest season at this year’s Locktoberfest."
Locktoberfest was launched in 2014 to create a signature event that would extend tourism into the fall season along the canal corridor. The Canal Corporation and city of Lockport will partner with the Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation, Lockport Main Street, I Love NY, and Taste NY, in collaboration with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, to host an exciting day of family-friendly fun for a second consecutive year.
Visitors can learn more about this year’s events by visiting http://www.locktoberfest.org/ 
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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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