Events

NOTICE TO MARINERS – 2020 CANAL SEASON OPENING SCHEDULE

Posted on May 18, 2020

The New York State Canal Corporation today announced that much of the 524-mile Canal system will open for through navigation of the locks by July 4, 2020 as maintenance and construction projects are set to resume on a regional basis under the “NY Forward Reopening” plan.

Canal Corporation crews and contractors will mobilize to work sites in the Capital Region, Mohawk Valley, Central NY, Finger Lakes, and Western NY regions as those areas reopen. Maintenance work that needs to be completed at specific Canal facilities varies by location and locks along the Erie, Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca Canals will open for passage in a staggered fashion. Announcements regarding specific lock or regional openings will be communicated through the Canal Corporation’s “Notice to Mariners” notification program available at www.canals.ny.gov.

OPENING SCHEDULE (TENTATIVE)

Capital Region – “NY Forward Reopening” Date TBD

Erie Canal from Lock E-2 in Waterford to Lock E-9 in Rotterdam
Champlain Canal from Lock C-1 in Waterford to Lock C-12 in Whitehall

Mohawk Valley Region – Locks opening in phases, targeted for between July 4^th & August 10^th

Erie Canal Lock E-10 in Cranesville through Sylvan Beach at Oneida Lake

Central NY Region – Locks targeted for opening by July 4^th

Erie Canal from Oneida Lake to Lock E-25 in May’s Point
Oswego Canal – except Lock O-7 in Oswego

Finger Lakes Region – Locks targeted for opening by July 4^th

Erie Canal from Lock E-25 in May’s Point to Locks E-34/35 in Lockport – except Lock E-26 in Clyde
Cayuga – Seneca Canal – except Locks CS-2/3 in Seneca Falls

Western NY Region – “NY Forward Reopening” Date TBD

Erie Canal Locks E-34/35 in Lockport through Tonawanda

As maintenance and construction work commences, most boaters, paddlers, and anglers can access sections of the Canal system for recreational use today. Mariners are advised that some sections of the Canal system will have reduced water levels until such time as the Canal Corporation completes its projects. In addition, navigation aids are not currently in place, but will be installed on the Canal system as the regions open.

All users of the Canal system and adjacent Empire State Trail are encouraged to practice social distancing while using boat launches, trails and other public resources.

The Canal Corporation appreciates the public’s patience during this time and urges all users to register to receive updates through the “Notice to Mariners” notification program

at www.canals.ny.gov.

TravelStorys Give Visitors and Residents a New Interactive Way to Experience Montgomery County

Posted on October 25, 2019

TravelStorys App provides free GPS guided tours that share the stories of Montgomery County

The Montgomery County Tourism department of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab) , in partnership with economic development and the Department of History and Archives (opens in a new tab) , announce new TravelStorys audio tour (opens in a new tab) that allows listeners to hear the historic stories of Montgomery County while traveling the Erie Canalway Trail (opens in a new tab) throughout the county.

The Mohawk River and the Noses near Canajoharie

The Cycling the Erie Canal: A Path Through History audio tour is available through the free TravelStorys app (available for download on smartphones). TravelStorys brings the little-known stories about the land to life, and by using GPS technology, stories on the tours automatically play as listeners pass through each site.

The Cycling the Erie Canal tour follows the scenic Erie Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail from St. Johnsville to Amsterdam (in either direction). As cyclists travel the trail, they’re serenaded with stories of the history (opens in a new tab) , landscape, culture (opens in a new tab) , and attractions (opens in a new tab) of Montgomery County. Narrated by Bob Cudmore, the historic stories were compiled and edited by Montgomery County Historian, Kelly Yacobucci Farquhar. The 35 stories tell about Montgomery County’s past and how they shaped the future – spanning from native (opens in a new tab) and colonial (opens in a new tab) times through the Revolutionary War (opens in a new tab) to the Underground Railroad (opens in a new tab) and the Industrial Revolution (opens in a new tab) to present day. The stories tell about nature, transportation, industry, and the people that helped form Montgomery County.

While the Cycling the Erie Canal stories are timed for cyclists, pedestrians utilizing the trail can enjoy the stories as well. Once the app is downloaded, each story will automatically play after entering the story’s radius. Each story is told in a manner that traveling the trail from east to west or west to east will not affect the storytelling experience.

The Montgomery County TravelStorys Audio Tour invites visitors to interact with the region in a deeper way, and to experience the Erie Canalway Trail in a new way. To download TravelStorys and take the tour, visit Google Play (opens in a new tab) or the Apple Store (opens in a new tab) .

Funding for the Cycling the Erie Canal: A Path Through History audio tour was made possible by the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (opens in a new tab) and Montgomery County’s I LOVE NY (opens in a new tab) matching funds program.

Fall Foliage Report: September 11-17

Posted on September 11, 2019

I LOVE NY starts the “New York Fall Foliage Report (opens in a new tab) ” on September 11 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Montgomery County has started its own annual report this year as well.

Reporting station: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) , Fort Hunter

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 5%

Brilliance: Dull

Predominating colors: Mostly green with small hints of yellow

Rating: Just beginning

The leaves are just beginning to change in Montgomery County. While green is still predominant, there are touches of yellow.

This weekend the Landis Arboretum (opens in a new tab) is hosting the Full Moon Music Series (opens in a new tab) with the Red Haired Strangers. “Find the magic of the moon” with live music at the Meeting House. This is a rare full moon on Friday the thirteenth – enjoy the crisp air and spectacular views!

On Saturday, the first annual Canajoharie Street Fair (opens in a new tab) will take place in Downtown Canajoharie. The event will feature live music, vendor booths, food trucks, a parade at 1:30pm, car show, and the King of the Wing chicken wing contest, ending with fireworks.

While in Canajoharie, visit the Arkell Museum’s (opens in a new tab) Regional Art Galleries art show featuring the work of Linda Armstrong (Juror’s Choice award), Jack Graber, and Bruce Muirhead (Best in Show) through October 16. 3 Solo Shows: Armstrong, Graber, and Muirhead (opens in a new tab) exhibit the work of three artists whose work was selected for The Art of New York: Annual Juried Art Show in 2018.

Explore our countryside, enjoy our events (opens in a new tab) , and take in the autumn season!

Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!

1.800.743.7337

Amsterdam’s Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Leader-Herald

Posted on June 25, 2019

Amsterdam’s Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Leader-Herald

The City of Amsterdam and the Amsterdam Tourism, Marketing & Recreation Department presents Independence Day Fest Sponsored by The Leader-Herald on Saturday, July 6^th from 6PM-10PM at Riverlink Park and the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge!

Come celebrate the 4th of July on the 6^th, along our beautiful waterfront, enjoy food and drink specials! Starting at 6PM- Scotty Nut Nut Entertainment will be on the MVGO Bridge, 6PM-8PM join the Patriotic Paddle with Down by the River Kayak Rentals, or walk over to Riverlink Park for Watercolor class for kids. Then, at 7PM the Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation and their sponsors present, Whiskey Highway, a high energy country band playing today’s new country along with some 90’s/00’s, at Riverlink Park. The night will end with fireworks at 9:30PM over the Historic Erie Canal Sponsored by Lanzi Family Restaurants!

Fall Foliage Report: October 10-16

Posted on October 11, 2018

I LOVE NY started the “New York Fall Foliage Report (opens in a new tab) ” on September 12 and will continue until the end of the foliage season, around the first or second week in November. Montgomery County has started its own annual report this year as well.

Reporting station: Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site (opens in a new tab) , Fort Hunter

Percent of trees predicted to have changed by the coming weekend: 30%

Brilliance: Average

Predominating colors: Still green with more red, orange, yellow coming out

Rating: Midpoint

This week has more color coming through with yellows and oranges and some reads. It would be a great time to take a ride and see the fall foliage. There are also many events happening on Saturday throughout the county!

The Village of Ames Museum (opens in a new tab) will be open 9am to 3pm.

Celebrate the fall harvest and take advantage of your last chance of the season to visit Old Fort Johnson (opens in a new tab) and the 1918 exhibit. This open house features outdoor baking, fresh apple cider pressing and other family activities. Free admission all day, donations are always welcome. The event is 10am-4pm.

From 11am-4pm, the Glen Conservancy (opens in a new tab) and the 77^th NY Regimental Balladeers will host Harvest Fest (opens in a new tab) in the hamlet of Glen. Events will take place in and around Conservancy Hall and will include activities at the Glen Cottage Farms, and at the Rustic Red House at the Glen Country Store at the confluence of Routes 30A and 161. Music, face painting, pumpkin painting, flower arranging, and more.

The Palatine Settlement Society invites the public to the annual “Afternoon at the Tavern (opens in a new tab) .” This event is scheduled for Saturday from 1–4pm, and will be held at the historic 1747 Nellis Tavern in St. Johnsville.

There will be a variety of beer and cider provided by Wolf Hollow and Rogers Cidery. Soup and bread will also be served. Tickets, available in advance, are $15 per person with a limited number of tickets available at the door.

Explore our countryside, enjoy our events (opens in a new tab) , and take in the autumn season!

Call for Travel Guides and Specialty Maps!

1.800.743.7337

Canal Days at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

Posted on July 5, 2018

Schoharie Crossing (opens in a new tab) will host the annual Canal Days Festival on July 14 & 15 from 11am – 4pm both Saturday and Sunday. This event is a free community festival celebrating the Erie Canal and the character of the people and towns along the way. This event is part of the continuing celebration of the Erie Canal Bicentennial. The Erie Canal was started in 1817 and completed in 1825.

This year’s festival will feature a participatory balloon art installation by Airigami. This company has been creating unique and stunning art displays which have been showcased around the world. As part of the Canal Days festivities, they will be supervising the creation of a large Erie Canal packet boat mural out of environmentally friendly balloons.

Canal Days will offer a variety of other attractions including wagon rides, the Utica Zoomobile, horse shoeing demonstrations, Tri County Old Time Engine display, games, food vendors, Down By the River Kayak (opens in a new tab) demos, a Canalway trail guided bicycle ride with the Adirondack Velo Club on Saturday at 1pm, and The Dudley Observatory will have a solar telescope to safely view the sun on Sunday. Various community organizations will be participating including the Montgomery Sheriff’s Department, the Mohawk River Basin Program, Capital Mohawk PRISM and the New York State Archeology Association. Sean The Prankster will perform magic at 1:30 on both Saturday and Sunday. The New York State Canal Corporation (opens in a new tab) will bring their popular working model of an Erie Canal lock as well as an actual Erie Canal tug boat.

On Saturday, the nationally known modern country band, Tompkins Drive will have two performances. In addition, The Friends of Schoharie Crossing will host a chicken barbeque. Also on Saturday will be the official opening of the 2018 art show which features paintings inspired by recreation among the built and natural environments at Schoharie Crossing.

On Sunday, the program will feature the music of the Jump Daddies swing band. There will also be a Rat Pack Cruzers Car show with prizes for best of show.

We are grateful to our many generous partners and sponsors. These include the NYS Canal Corporation, the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, Price Chopper, Alpin Haus, WEXT 97.7, Judith-Ann Realty, the Wine Barrell, Bourbon Street Wine and Liquor Warehouse, Arlene’s Artist Materials, Olde Brick House Café, Mary Jane’s Market and the 518 Grill.

For more information about Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site and our events, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, visit the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Facebook page (opens in a new tab) , or email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov (opens in a new tab) .

Erie Canalway Photo Contest

Posted on June 7, 2018

Amateur and professional photographers are invited submit images for the 13^th annual Erie Canalway Photo Contest (opens in a new tab) . Images should convey the wealth of things to do and see along the waterway and express the unique character of the canal and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2019 Erie Canalway calendar. Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as 12 honorable mentions. Images must be taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (opens in a new tab) , which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. It encompasses the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Entries must be postmarked by August 31, 2018. Download official contest rules and an entry form at https://eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest (opens in a new tab)

New Research Sheds Light on Canalway Corridor Visitors

Posted on February 9, 2018

New Research Sheds Light on Canalway Corridor Visitors

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor today released results from a recently-commissioned study about current and prospective visitors to the 500-mile Canalway Corridor. The information is intended to help tourism promoters, businesses and heritage sites better attract and serve visitors, including boaters, cyclists, sightseers and vacationers. “This new research really helps us understand who visits, what attracts them, the kinds of activities they engage in, and what they think of their experience. We are grateful that so many people took the time to offer their feedback and insights,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Ross D. Levi, New York State Executive Director of Tourism, said, “The Erie Canal is a tourism crown jewel for New York State, providing countless opportunities for residents and visitors alike to discover its history, enjoy its water activities and explore its attractions in surrounding towns and villages. This study will help our tourism partners better understand canal visitors, which will help their marketing efforts and continue to increase tourism statewide.” More than 1,000 people participated in online surveys and 20 provided in-depth interviews conducted by Rochester-based Level 7 Market Research on behalf of the National Heritage Corridor. Visitors and prospective visitors who live near the canal system, as well as those from other parts of New York and neighboring states, participated, providing a reliable and geographically-diverse research sample. Among the findings:

Recent and prospective visitors were drawn to the history of the area and to exploring local canal communities; boat tours/boating and attending festivals/events are major draws among prospective visitors.
Most recent visitors rated their experience high— 8 out of 10.
70% of visitors who live in the Canalway Corridor selected “Always been curious about the area” and “Destination for personal journey/accomplishment” among their top reasons for visiting.
Recent canal visitors tend to be older, travel in smaller parties, and have higher income households compared with prospective visitors. Most are savvy travelers who are three times more likely to travel internationally.
Lack of awareness and knowledge are among the greatest barriers to visiting.

The research was funded by a grant from Market NY through I LOVE NY, New York State’s Division of Tourism, as a part of the State’s Regional Economic Development Council initiative.

The full study is available at: https://eriecanalway.org/our-work/promote-tourism The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York, encompassing the Erie, Cayuga-Seneca, Oswego, and Champlain canals and their historic alignments, as well as more than 230 canal communities. Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor Commission and the Erie Canalway Heritage Fund work in partnership to preserve the region’s extraordinary heritage, to promote the Corridor as a world class tourism destination, and to foster vibrant communities connected by the waterway. www.eriecanalway.org

Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology

Posted on September 20, 2017

Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology

Join Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site on Tuesday, September 26^th as researcher Ken D. Johnson delivers his presentation, “Indiana Jones and Fort Plank: The Cleaner Side of Archaeology.”

The program takes the audience along with Ken on a search for the fortress in which his ancestors served during the American Revolution. From this fort, one of them was taken prisoner on August 2, 1780, and their father and sister were killed. His program also presents to the audience the first step in locating a site for a possible historical dig.

Johnson has served as the Fort Plank Historian since 1984 and is the author of “The Bloodied Mohawk: The Revolutionary War in the Words of Fort Plank’s Defenders and Other Mohawk Valley Partisans”. He also operates a free web-site that contains biographical and historical data on the Colonial Period in the Mohawk Valley of New York.

This free program will be held in the Enders House adjacent to the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Visitor Center on Schoharie Street in Fort Hunter, New York. There will be a brief Friends of Schoharie Crossing meeting prior to the presentation and there will be refreshments available.

For more information about these events and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516; email: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.

####

Elizabeth Ellis at Schoharie Crossing

Posted on August 1, 2017

Elizabeth Ellis at Schoharie Crossing

Nationally known storyteller Elizabeth Ellis will be performing at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site on Sunday, August 6th at 6:00pm. Her performance entitled “Deniable Plausibility/Plausible Deniability: Tales True and Not So True” will take place outdoors in front of the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center on Schoharie Street. The show will move indoors in case of rain. Guests are invited to linger, chat, and enjoy refreshments after the show. The event is free.

Elizabeth Ellis grew up in the Appalachian Mountains and learned to tell stories from her grandfather who was a circuit riding minister. As a storyteller, Ellis doesn’t mince words. Filled with hilarious and poignant honesty, her stories deliver downhome wisdom, southern style. Designated an American Masterpiece Touring Artist by the National Endowment for the Arts, Ellis has been sharing her stories since 1979. She is a frequent favorite at the National Storytelling festival and is the recipient of both the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Circle of Excellence Award from the National Storytelling Network. Both witty and wise, her stories are often about seeing the extraordinary in our everyday experience.

Guests are also encouraged to participate in Schoharie Crossing’s Chalk Our Walk event happening that same weekend. To expand the creative reach of Schoharie Crossing’s Views and Vista’s Art show, adults and children are invited to create their own artwork on the sidewalk leading to the Visitor Center. Participants will be eligible for a drawing for a gift certificate.

The Not Just for Kids Storytelling series continues throughout August and into September. The following artists will be part of the series: Peter Cook, Aug. 13, Michael Reno Harrell, Aug. 20, Joe Bruchac, Aug. 27 and Becky Holder, Sept. 10.

Saratoga Arts made this program possible with a Community Arts Grant funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. The program is also supported by Stewart’s Shops, L’Ultimo Restaurant, MaryJane’s Market, the Garden Bug and Karen’s Produce.

For more information about these events and more, please call the Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email: SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our Facebook page Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation oversees 180 state parks and 35 historic sites, which are visited by 60 million people annually. For more information on any of these recreation areas, call 518-474-0456 or visit www.nysparks.com, connect on Facebook, or follow on Twitter.