For Immediate Release: 10/01/2015
Contact:
Shane Mahar | shane.mahar@thruway.ny.gov |
Office of Media Relations and Communications | (518) 471-5300
CANAL CORPORATION AND THE CITY OF ROME ANNOUNCE LOCKTOBERFEST ALONG THE ERIE CANAL
A Community Festival Celebrating Autumn on the Erie Canal
The New York State Canal Corporation today announced the city of Rome’s first annual Locktoberfest will take place at Bellamy Harbor Park along the Erie Canal Saturday, October 3.
The all-day, family-friendly event will feature entertainment, food vendors, regional craft beer tasting, free kayak rentals and fireworks.
“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. “We are excited to bring Locktoberfest to the city of Rome where construction on the Erie Canal began in 1817.”
City of Rome Mayor Joseph R. Fusco Jr. said, "We are thrilled to be welcoming Locktoberfest to Rome! This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase Bellamy Harbor Park and the Erie Canal. Our partners at New York State Canal Corporation and Oneida County Tourism have given us tremendous support over the years as we've transformed Bellamy Harbor Park into a regional attraction.”
“Locktoberfest is a perfect opportunity for local and out-of-state travelers to experience spectacular autumn foliage at Bellamy Harbor Park, celebrate the City of Rome’s rich culture and history, 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 and the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, 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 event is partially sponsored by the Canal Corporation, I Love NY and Taste NY.
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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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