Flotilla sets off on Erie Canal trip to Rochester

[Kris G.]

Flotilla sets off on Erie Canal trip to Rochester
September 14, 2010

A flotilla of vessels on Monday began a weeklong voyage on the Erie Canal to an international canal conference in Rochester.

Among those on hand for the launch in Waterford, Saratoga County, were Rep. Paul Tonko of Amsterdam, New York State Canals Corp. Director Carmella R. Mantello, representatives of the Canal Society of New York State, local officials and canal enthusiasts.

The flotilla's arrival in Rochester on Sunday will coincide with the start of 2010 World Canals Conference.

More than 40 vessels are expected to join the flotilla. Included are historic and working boats from the New York State Canal Corp. fleet, historic tugboats, steamboats, canal boats, and a variety of recreational pleasure craft.

Watercraft are expected to join the group during the seven-day journey along the Erie Canal. Stops will include Lyons, Wayne County, on Friday and Fairport and Pittsford on Saturday. It is expected to be one of the largest gatherings on the Erie Canal since the first flotilla was held in 1825 for the “Wedding of the Waters� at the canal’s opening.

The watercraft from eastern and central New York will meet vessels from western New York at the junction of the Erie Canal and Genesee River in Rochester on Sunday The fleet will proceed north on the Genesee River in a grand parade to Corn Hill Landing for a festive watery salute to officially open the conference.

The World Canals Conference will take place Sept. 20-24 in Rochester. It is expected to draw hundreds of delegates from the United States and 17 other countries to discuss canal-related topics including economic development and tourism along canals and waterways.

New York State Canals Director Mantello said, "The canal staff and I will be excited to meet many of our fellow canal managers and enthusiasts from around the world and to learn and share our knowledge as we celebrate the New York State Canal System's past, present and future at this year's World Canals Conference."

[Carol P.]

That's interesting Kris G.  Thanks for posting this.   

[Kris G.]

You're welcome-I thought it sounded like something neat to see!  If Bill feels better, we might come into the city to see this on Sunday.

[Bobbie Ireland]

This wonderful waterway almost always "gives" me a Belted Kingfisher. What other treasures are hidden along its banks? I have often taken visitors on one of the boats that leave from the likes of Fairport, and they love the adventure. Use 'em or lose 'em, my friends! (I still find it impossible to imagine that the canal was dug by hand.)

[valhalla]

You're welcome-I thought it sounded like something neat to see!  If Bill feels better, we might come into the city to see this on Sunday.

I hope someone goes to see and photograph this!  Maybe Larry could figure out a way to participate 

[Marcia L.]

One of the most interesting boats involved in the International Canals Conference is the Lois McClure, a replica of the 19th-century canal schooners used to transport cargo on the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes.  Here's a link to the Lois' schedule with more links to the back-story.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum owns and operates the Lois McClure as a wonderful educational resource for understanding the rich heritage of the Erie Canal.  And by the way, my niece and nephew-in-law are instrumental in the operation of the canal schooner. So I'll be checking out the doings at Corn Hill Landing next week.

Marcia L.

[valhalla]

One of the most interesting boats involved in the International Canals Conference is the Lois McClure, a replica of the 19th-century canal schooners used to transport cargo on the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes.  Here's a link to the Lois' schedule with more links to the back-story.

The Lake Champlain Maritime Museum owns and operates the Lois McClure as a wonderful educational resource for understanding the rich heritage of the Erie Canal.  And by the way, my niece and nephew-in-law are instrumental in the operation of the canal schooner. So I'll be checking out the doings at Corn Hill Landing next week.

Marcia L.

WooHoo!  I miss the canals - always a good cruise at this time of year, even if just locking through 3 or 4 locks.  Looking forward to pictures