Cuomo Announces Plans To Commemorate Erie Canal’s Bicentennial

Governor Andrew Cuomo is unveiling a series of celebrations and events being planned across New York State to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

Events will include an all-day celebration at Rome's Bellamy Harbor Park on July 22nd, featuring a first-dig re-enactment, an arts and crafts fair, concerts and fireworks.

Other bicentennial events co-hosted by the New York State Canal Corporation with communities along the canal include:

• Amsterdam, June 9, with a festival and fireworks at Riverlink Park, home to the new Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Bridge
• Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, June 10, all day canal-themed events and barbeque, where you can see the remnants of the original Erie Canal, the enlarged canal and current configuration of the Barge Canal
• Lockport, July 8, home to the famed “Flight of Five,” a set of five locks dating to the 1860s. The Flight once effectively acted as “stairs for boats” heading up the Niagara Escarpment, the long cliff that runs east/west across New York that famously includes Niagara Falls
• Rochester, July 14-15, featuring an Erie Canal forum and a day of family-friendly events and music, both held at the Strong National Museum of Play

"The Erie Canal was critical in establishing New York as a national hub for commerce and industry, and today offers boaters unparalleled views and access to our canalside communities," Cuomo said. "In commemorating this anniversary, we celebrate the canal's rich heritage as well as its pivotal role in promoting economic development and tourism today. I urge visitors to come experience the many events planned for the bicentennial celebration."

Friday also marks the start of the 2017 boating season on the 524-mile canal system for recreational vessels.

The season runs through October 11th.