The annual Seneca Falls Canal Fest is returning this weekend with live music, fireworks, rides, a duck race, and more this summer.
Canal Fest will have something for everyone, with vendor booths, food and drink options, and a weekend packed with events, running Friday, through Sunday.
News Release –
Seneca Falls, NY, May 20, 2024 – The Eighth Annual Seneca Falls Canal Festival is set to commence on Friday, June 7, and continue through Sunday, June 9. The festival, situated along the picturesque Seneca Falls harbor, promises a diverse range of activities, including vendors, fireworks, midway rides, the traditional Duck Race, and a revised Kid’s Area!
Janelle Bradshaw, the festival’s music producer, announced, “Canal Fest 2024 will feature a wide variety of fantastic live music and entertainment options for visitors.” Ten separate musical performances spanning big band, classic rock, blues, folk, country, and jazz genres will take the Main Stage on the Pavilion in People’s Park. Friday’s featured band performances will include the Junior Rich Project and NEO Project, while Saturday will showcase Ana Florencia hosting live karaoke, DJ, and performance sessions at the Festival Community Tent. Additional Saturday performances on the Main Stage in People’s Park will be Major Keys Trio, Jimi Marley Trio, the Gates Swingers Big Band, and Qwister. On Sunday, the country music favorite Rockin’ Boots will perform main stage. Dan Babbitt & Friends, Line Dancing presented by O’Desious Custom Designs and more will be at the Festival Community Tent. Additionally, the Finger Lakes Witchy Women will return to provide lively dance and entertainment for all ages on Saturday at 1:30pm and 4:00pm in front of the Main Stage in People’s Park.
Back by popular demand, a three-day Cornhole tournament sponsored by Wolffy’s Grill & Marina and managed by Between the Lakes Cornhole will entertain enthusiasts. Various competitions, including the Airmail Challenge, Singles/Single Elimination, Competitive Switcholio/Round Robin, and Blind Draw Double Elimination, will offer cash prizes for top winners.
Haidee Oropallo, chair of the 2024 Canal Fest Committee, emphasized the importance of offering diverse activities. “Canal Fest is about celebrating and sharing our local community with visitors of all ages and interests,” Oropallo stated. “We hope by providing a range of activities from the Midway to the Duck Race, an amazing music lineup, and crafts, service & organization booths, that people will see Seneca Falls is truly a wonderful place not only to visit but to celebrate & live.”
Chris Podzuweit, another Festival organizer, expressed confidence in the event’s appeal. “The Eighth Annual Seneca Falls Canal Fest won’t disappoint! With over 40 vendor booths including food and drink options, everyone will have a fabulous weekend!” The festivities on Saturday will conclude with spectacular fireworks over Van Cleef Lake at 10 pm.
Additional family-friendly activities for the weekend include a petting zoo, an expanded Kids Zone with games and an exciting new addition: the Rain Gutter Regatta, where children can construct boats and compete by racing them in rain gutters. Prizes will be awarded in separate age categories for first, second, and third places in this innovative event. Boat kits can be purchased onsite or purchased in advance at Woman Made Products for $5.00.
Canal Fest hours are Friday 5 pm-11 pm, Saturday 10 am-10 pm, Sunday 10 am-5 pm. The event is made possible through the generosity of Canal Fest’s sponsors, which include The Town of Seneca Falls, New York State Canal Corporation and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Bonafiglia Family Foundation, Generations Bank, Waterloo Container, Wolffy’s Grill & Marina, ITT Goulds Pumps, Community Bank, D&W Diesel, Wilson Press and Brady & Sons Agency.
Seneca Falls, conveniently located halfway between Rochester and Syracuse, boasts a rich history and vibrant community. As part of the New York State Canal System and home to landmarks like the Women’s Rights National Historical Park and the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls invites visitors to experience its charm and significance. Additionally, the town is renowned as the possible inspiration for Frank Capra’s holiday classic, It’s A Wonderful Life, and hosts the annual It’s a Wonderful Life Festival in early December.
For further information and updates, visit https://canalfest.senecafallsba.com/or follow Seneca Falls Canal Festival on Facebook.
Funded in part through the generous support of the New York State Canal Corporation and Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.
