The first Canal Splash is scheduled to take place this weekend. Over 90 events will be held in 20 different counties in an effort to celebrate the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. Locally, events will be held in the counties of Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Schenectady, Albany and Rensselaer. Events include kayak and canoe races, live music, photography and museum exhibits, bicycle tours, nature exhibits and walks, and a wide range of other activities designed with family fun in mind.
This is for anyone and everyone to enjoy, said Carmella Mantello, director of the New York State Canal Corporation. `It is important for people who live here to understand the significance and value of the canal. We have an incredible national treasure right here in New York state.`
The canal system’s more than 524 miles connect hundreds of lakes and rivers along its path which connects Lake Erie to the Hudson River. When the first section, the famous Erie Canal, opened in 1825, the canal decreased both travel time and shipping costs, facilitating westward expansion.
Today, there are 57 locks along the canal, many of which Mantello said will be open and available for tours. Calling the locks `engineering marvels,` Mantello noted that they are operated and maintained in the same manner they were 100 years ago.
`So many people in so many communities recognize the national significance,` said Mantello. `But there are many who do not. We need to take that asset and tell the world what we have in our backyard.
`The canal system generates over $384 million to communities all across the canal system. We’re hoping folks can recognize that the canal can be the economic engine and the front door to economic revitalization,` she said, citing a Canal Corporation study done several years back.
Mantello, who previously served as the executive director for the Hudson River Valley Greenway, used the Hudson River Valley Ramble as an example to follow when organizing the Canal Splash. She said creating a similar event to support the Canal System was `one of the things I really wanted to do. It will be the celebration of the history, the culture, the recreation and the other amenities offered along the canalway.`
The events are geared to be family friendly with fun for all age groups. If you are going to be in the Schuylerville area, think about making time to watch the Cardboard Boat Races or stop off at General Philip Schuyler’s House for a glimpse of life in the 18th century. Over 25 artisans will provide demonstrations of 18th-century crafts. The Champlain Canal Tours will also offer riverboat tours.
In Schenectady County, stop by Freedom Park for free musical concerts or take part in a learn-to-ski water clinic behind Jumpin Jack’s in Scotia. History buffs can participate in a revolutionary bike tour while nature enthusiasts can check out eagles with staff from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Five Rivers Environmental Education Center.
In Rensselaer County, people can take a two-hour walk through Oakwood Cemetery with military historian Michael Barrett. In Albany County, head to Peebles Island State Park which provides great views, walkways, and a museum that is open to the public.
`It is a fantastic place for the young and the senior citizens,` said Mantello of Peebles Island.
Mantello suggested that people check out the Web sites, www.johnnymilleradventures.com or www.canals.ny.state.us for information about event dates, times, and costs. Some events are free; some have a fee. The Web sites offer details of events occurring out of the immediate area for those who wish to travel to other parts of the Canal System. Mantello suggested the Finger Lakes region as several wineries have partnered with cruise lines to provide special offerings. Another out-of-area event that would likely be of interest would be several fishing derbies in the Oswego area.
`There is so much history along the canal,` said Mantello. `We need to keep that history alive.` “
