For immediate release: August 12, 2016
Contact: Sydney Jenkins | sydney.jenkins@thruway.ny.gov (518) 471-5300
CANAL CORPORATION ANNOUNCES 11th ANNUAL “CANAL SPLASH!” TO KICK OFF TODAY
Various Community Events Across New York State Canal System to Highlight Recreational Opportunities Available to the Public
The New York State Canal Corporation announced that the 11th Annual “Canal Splash!” kicks off today, August 12, with a 10-day long celebration of attractions, events and activities along the 524-mile-long Canal and Canalway trail systems across the state. This year, community events are scheduled to take place along the Canal from Brockport to Baldwinsville to Schuylerville, with many more in between.
“Canal Splash!” is co-sponsored by the Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and includes historic nature walks, bike tours, museum and gallery exhibits, boating events, lectures, festivals and live performances. For a complete list of this year’s “Canal Splash!” events, visit: http://www.canals.ny.gov/news/events/special/index.html.
Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “The Canal Corporation is thrilled to partner once again with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor to host ‘Canal Splash!’ for the 11th consecutive year. The New York State Canal system continues to generate tourism and economic benefits for the towns and villages along its banks, and each year, this event draws scores of visitors to those communities. The continued success of ‘Canal Splash!’ is essential to ensuring that the Canal remains a beloved destination for generations to come.”
Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Bob Radliff said, "We are delighted to again partner with the NYS Canal Corporation and the many communities connected by our bountiful waterways to enjoy and celebrate our nationally significant canal system. We encourage residents and visitors alike to explore and enjoy the varied ‘Canal Splash!’ events that exemplify the diverse recreational and historical resources that our NYS Canal System has to offer."
For a list of “Canal Splash!” and other events along the Canals, visit: http://www.canals.ny.gov/news/events/calendar/calendar.cgi
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New York’s Canal system includes four historic canals: the Erie, Champlain, Oswego and Cayuga-Seneca. Spanning more than 500 miles, the waterway links the Hudson River with the Great Lakes, the Finger Lakes and Lake Champlain. The canals form the backbone of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and connect hundreds of unique and historic communities. The Erie Canalway Trail is a multi-use trail, designed to accommodate pedestrians, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers. More than three-quarters of the 365-mile Canalway Trail from Albany to Buffalo is now a dedicated off-road trail, much of it along the canal’s former towpath. Together the canals and trail create a world-class recreationway that is a vibrant, scenic and unique New York resource.
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