With no floods in sight, the Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce is ready for another year of celebrations along the historic Mohawk.
Last year, many of the events were canceled and attendance was less than expected after unprecedented flooding of the river. Organizers say CanalFest 2007 Locks 7-12 promises to be bigger and better with its schedule full of entertainment for the whole family.
The weekend is all about the Erie Canal and the character it lends to Schenectady and Montgomery counties.
Schenectady County Chamber of Commerce group services director Nell Burrows said the schedule of events this year offers many different options and has something for everyone.
From sporting events, to animal lovers, to music and dance, CanalFest is a great event that brings people in the communities along the canal together, said Burrows.
Glenville’s Maalwyck Park will host the Purina Dog Chow Frisbee champions and the Empire Cup Youth Soccer Tournament, which is new to the festival, along with the Mohawk Valley Skydivers. Also new to Maalwyck is an inflatable family fun park and an obstacle course. The Historic Stockade for a variety of children’s activities such as storytelling, music and food vendors.
The Mabee Farm in Rotterdam Junction will host a music festival and have colonial artisan demonstrations.
Montgomery County events include a wagon ride at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, to be followed by a performance of Elvis Live. Riverlink Park in Amsterdam will host the Schenectady Symphony and the NYS Canal Corporation’s Tugboat rides.
In Scotia’s Freedom Park, there will be a US Water Ski Show Team performance, rock climbing, camping and boater displays, animal agility and Frisbee demonstrations, along with musical performances. Performances can be heard by Matt Mirabile and Alison Jacobs on Saturday and by Sean Patrick McGraw on Sunday. Fireworks will be held on Sunday night in the park.
In all of the locations children can enjoy colonial games, story telling, face painting, pony rides and hot-air balloon demonstrations, making it a family friendly weekend.
A photo contest will also be part of the festivities. This is open to all amateur and professional photographers. The winning photos will be displayed in Collins Park as well as receive a cash prize.
`This is a great opportunity for residents of Schenectady County and surrounding the county to see all that we have to offer. The mix of culture, history and entertainment make this a great event. There are a lot of new additions this year, it’s worth coming out to see,` said Vice President of Director Services Gail Kehn.
Burrows said that the festival is a great time for people to come to Schenectady County. She said that Schenectady is revitalizing its tourism industry. Downtown Schenectady has brought in a variety of new restaurants, theatres and small businesses. She said it will take time but it is happening.
`The festival celebrates our canal system, our residents and the hope for a downtown that will once again be a place where people come to visit,` said Burrows.
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