For Immediate Release: June 30, 2005

ENTREPRENEUR TO BEGIN GONDOLA SERVICE ON CANAL IN SENECA FALLS
Operation Will Be First of Its Kind for Canal System

SENECA FALLS, NY – Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, is pleased to announce that at 1 p.m. on Friday, July 1, 2005, visitors and residents in Seneca Falls will have a new way to enjoy their historic waterfront. Dave Finster, a private entrepreneur, will see the realization of a long held dream as the first gondola on the waters of New York’s Canal System is put into service. The vessel, which will be christened “The Sarahs” after Mr. Finster’s daughters, will offer rides for up to five people throughout the summer season.

Mr. Finster first envisioned the idea for gondola service after reading an article in a travel magazine in May, 2004 about a gondola operation in Stillwater, MN. Mr. Finster began researching the possibility of a similar operation on the Canal in Seneca Falls. The region, he believed, would make a great fit with its bucolic landscapes, wineries, museums, and bed and breakfasts. Developed on both sides of the Canal with historic architecture, Seneca Falls is evocative of Venice in many ways. Seneca Falls has a rich Italian heritage and a real old world flavor in its eclectic and vibrant downtown.

This private venture will also compliment the existing Seneca Falls Canal Harbor, as well as the canal side amenities that are currently being developed on the site of the Seneca Falls Knitting Mill Complex.

“We are excited about this new venture, and are happy to have partnered with Mr. Finster to bring yet another attraction to Seneca Falls’ successful and popular waterfront,” said Mantello. “This great new enterprise on the Canal demonstrates the commitment and dedication of the Canal Corporation towards working with both communities and businesses to capitalize on the tremendous resources of the Canal System.”

“I am looking forward to doing my part to further enhance the beautiful ambiance of the Village of Seneca Falls and its Italian heritage,” said Dave Finster.

“A little bit of Venice has come to Seneca Falls. I’m confident that the gondola ride will be a tremendous asset and allow us to build even further on our vision for the future,” said Mayor of Seneca Falls Diana Smith.

“This is one more way for residents and tourists alike to have a great experience out on the water,” said Director of Seneca County Tourism Moe Koch. “I think it’s a perfect fit for Seneca Falls, and we wish Mr. Finster every success.”

“This is a great day for Seneca Falls, and for the region,” said Seneca Falls Village Planner Fran Caracillo. “What this brings to our waterfront is an even greater sense of old world charm, helping solidify our identity as the Gateway to the Finger Lakes.”

To schedule a romantic evening on the water, call gondolier Mike Waller at (315) 406-3720. Bring your own beverages – glasses, ice, bucket, and music provided.

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The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York State, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.

In late May 2005, Governor Pataki unveiled his vision for establishing the Erie Canal Greenway and, ultimately, the Empire State Greenway, connecting the Niagara, Erie and Hudson River Greenways. The Canal Corporation and an interagency task force will conduct an outreach campaign to gather input and ideas and develop a comprehensive set of recommendations to create the new Erie and Empire State Greenways and examine certain roles and responsibilities currently assigned to the Canal Corporation. The recommendations will be delivered in a report to the Governor by December 2005.

For more information about the Canal System, please call 1-800-4CANAL4 or visit www.canals.state.ny.us.