FORT HUNTER — Schoharie Crossing will host the Canal Day on today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event is a free community festival celebrating the Erie Canal and the character of the people and towns along the way.
Canal Day 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 be run in conjunction with the Metis Nation Veterans’ Powwow and the Tri-County Old Time Engine Show that features a variety of antique engines many of which are operational.
The powwow began Friday and will run until Sunday and the Engine Show will be held today and Sunday.
The powwow is an event to honor St. Kateri Tekakwitha and veterans, police, firefighters, paramedics and first responders.
It will feature Native American food, music and dancing. An admission fee to enter the powwowgates supports veteran and Native American nonprofits.
Canal Day will offer a variety of other attractions including wagon rides, the Utica Zoomobile, games, a bounce house and food. Various community organizations will be participating including the Montgomery Sheriff’s Department, the Mohawk River Basin Program, Future Farmers of America, 4-H and the Golden Fleece Fiber Guild. The New York State Canal Corporation will bring a working model of an Erie Canal lock as well as an actual Erie Canal tugboat.
Rusticator, an acoustic band with an Americana spirit will be playing two sets on Saturday.
The band’s eclectic performances include everything from Miles Davis to Bob Dylan and the Grateful Dead as well as original songs.
In addition, on Saturday, JD Winslow Equestrian Entertainment will present two shows of trick and fancy horseback riding.
Airigami, a team of artists who create sculptures entirely out of environmentally friendly balloons, will also be part of the Saturday festivities. They will display a balloon garden. Airigami will work with visitors to create this sculptural venue filled with flowers, rocks, grass and more.
Also, on Saturday will be the official opening of the 2019 art show that features photographs taken at Schoharie Crossing and inspired by theme “Passage of Time.” A festive opening for the show will consist of refreshments and music by Joe Handy and Rich Mollin at 5 p.m.
We are grateful to our many generous partners and sponsors. These include the NYS Canal Corporation, the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, WEXT Radio, Price Chopper, Alpin Haus, Bourbon Street Wine and Liquor Warehouse, Olde Brick House Cafe, and Mary Jane’s Market.
For more information about Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site and its events, call the visitor center at (518) 829-7516, visit the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site Facebook page, or email [email protected]
