FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 11, 2006

CANAL CORPORATION KICKS OFF FIRST ANNUAL CANAL SPLASH WEEKEND
Celebration Highlights History, Culture and Fun Along New York’s Canals

New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello today joined local officials and event organizers at Lock 7 Canal Park in Niskayuna, Schenectady County, to kick off the 1st Annual Canal Splash weekend, highlighting the history, beauty, culture, and recreational appeal of the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. The two day, multi-location celebration features more than 85 activities including nature walks, educational exhibits, boating events and races, musical performances and tours.

“In our inaugural year, we have had an overwhelming response from State agencies, communities, non-profits and businesses throughout the Canal System,” Director Mantello said. “With more than 85 special events and activities planned throughout the weekend, there is something for everyone in the family to enjoy. I want to thank all of our many sponsors for their continued support and partnership in promoting this incredible state and national treasure that runs through our backyard. I encourage everyone to come out and explore the history, culture and fun available along the New York State Canal System, this weekend and all year long.”

Lock 7 Canal Park in Niskayuna is the site of one of many Capital Region events slated for the August 12-13 Canal Splash. In cooperation with the Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will be offering an opportunity to enjoy the natural wildlife and the comeback of the eagle in the last 15 years with it's “Ogle an Eagle” event. At this event, there will be an area set up with a DEC educator to answer questions while attendees take advantage of the perfect time of year to observe sightings of waterfowl, duck, geese and eagles along the Mohawk River and Erie Canal. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, August 12th from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Assembly Republican Leader James Tedisco said, “I hope all New Yorkers will take advantage of this first-annual Canal Splash weekend. The many fine attractions and entertainment venues offer something for everyone. I applaud the New York State Canal Corporation for initiating this event.”

DEC Commissioner Denise Sheehan said, “DEC is proud to partner with the New York State Canal Corporation in the exciting kickoff of the First Annual Canal Splash Weekend event. Programs and events like this serve as important reminders of the vast natural resources and recreational areas New York State has to offer. I encourage attendees to enjoy as many different events as possible throughout the weekend and experience the full range of natural resource and wildlife viewing opportunities along the Canal System.”

Frank Dean, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, a partnership program with the National Park Service that aims to enhance preservation and education efforts and revitalize communities along the canal system said, “The numerous events and activities available this weekend throughout the canal corridor are just a sample of the rich history and recreation opportunities that are present each day in our canal communities. We support the Canal Splash weekend and encourage everyone to come out and experience the variety of activities that our partners are offering.”

Following are highlights of Canal Splash events taking place throughout the State this weekend:

Start the Party at Canal Ports
Follow the music to the weekend’s various canal parties. From Lockport’s Blues Festival and Herkimer County’s Mardi Gras Festival to the Champlain Feeder Canal’s Cabaret on the Canal, these events will kick off the weekend with food and fun. Relax as you jam to the tunes and watch the boats drift by. In addition to blues, mardi gras and cabaret, events you won’t want to miss include:

• Carifest 2006 – Get into the Caribbean groove as Monroe County hosts a Caribbean celebration. Event is set for Saturday, August 12 from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., featuring activities for adults and children.
• Cruise and Dine – Enjoy a champagne dinner as you cruise westbound from Dutchman's Landing, near Liverpool, to Baldwinsville through Lock 24. On the return trip, you will detour around Klein Island and onto Onondaga Lake. Dinner cruises include a garden salad, clam chowder, delicious entree, dessert and signature glass of Champagne.
• Old Time Barn Dance – Practice your do-si-do for this country style square dance in Medina, NY. Held at Medina Stone Farm, don a bandana and experience old-fashioned entertainment at its best for only $5 for children and $7 for adults.

A Splash of Canal Culture
Canal communities have a rich history, seen today in the numerous museums, art galleries and preserved or restored homes. And during Canal Splash, exhibits are welcoming visitors with cultural events of all sorts. Best of all, many of these attractions are free and suitable for the entire family. Many kinds of cultural offerings span the Canals including culinary, historical and artistic events:

• Culinary: Limited Release Wine Tasting, Swedish Hill Winery, savor award-winning Finger Lakes wines along Cayuga Lake.
• Historical: Historic Lockport Lantern Tour, follow a 19th century narrator through the lamp-lit streets of Lockport on this mile-long walking tour.
  
• Artistic: Edward Weston: Life Work Photo Exhibit, view the 100-image survey of this quintessential American artist, consisting of outstanding vintage prints from all phases of his five-decade career from his first nude to his final landscape at the Hyde Collection in Glens Falls, NY.

Active Adventures for the Entire Family
With miles of open trails accompanying this 524-mile water system, the canals are perfect for outdoor recreation. Races, games and activities encourage the whole family to get outside and get moving. Whether you prefer cycling, rowing, running or cheering, Canal Splash activities will allow you to unleash your inner athlete. Start training for events like these:

• Feeder Canal Canoe and Kayak Race – Glens Falls, NY
  Get on your mark by noon on Saturday for this heart-pumping canoe and kayak race down the Champlain’s Feeder Canal.
• NASCAR at Watkins Glens Weekend – Watkins Glens, NY

Feel the motors roar at this professional raceway and see actual NASCAR and Busch show cars. Arrive early and attend the free Friday night festival, celebrating the big race weekend.

Amazing Maize Maze – Macedon, NY
Visitors won’t mind getting lost for the day here. Canal Splash marks the opening weekend for this local seasonal favorite that features a maze of corn hedges, giant sandbox and a rock climbing wall.

For more information on these activities and a complete list of Canal Splash events, download an event brochure at www.canals.state.ny.us.

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. For more information on vacation opportunities along the Canal System, visit www.canals.state.ny.us or call 1-800-4CANAL4.

NOTICE: For boaters planning to attend Canal Splash events from the water, please be aware that as a result of severe flooding in June, Locks 9 -11 on the Erie Canal are temporarily closed. The Locks are expected to re-open prior to Labor Day. For more information, please call the New York State Canal Corporation at 518-436-3055 or the Canal traffic agent at 518-471-5016.

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