ECHDC Announces All-Day Erie Canal Bicentennial Activities on September 21

The daylong sendoff to summer at Canalside packs in more than 15 activities for all ages 

View the full schedule of events at ErieCanalTurns200.com

Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) encourages all to join in one last huzzah for summer during a day filled with Erie Canal-themed programming on Sunday, September 21, at Canalside in Buffalo. During this send-off to the season and commemoration of the Erie Canal bicentennial, activities will run from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Most events are free. The full schedule is available at ErieCanalTurns200.com.  The all-day community event also kicks off the World Canals Conference, hosted this year in Buffalo, and tees up the departure of the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief. Built by Buffalo Maritime Center, the 1825 replica canal boat departs at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 24, with the public invited to wave goodbye as it embarks on its bicentennial voyage to New York City, which will duplicate Governor DeWitt Clinton’s historic maiden 1825 journey to mark the opening of the canal system.

“Special thanks to our Governor Kathy Hochul and all the groups who are recognizing Buffalo’s unique history with the many exciting events for our residents and visitors to enjoy along the waterfront,” said ECHDC Chairperson Joan Kesner.  “Join us on Sunday for history tours, family scavenger hunts, speakers, live music, a movie and more as we tell the story of Buffalo’s Erie Canal heritage at Canalside.  ECHDC President Mark Wendel and his incredible staff, along with our board of directors, went all out this summer at Canalside to showcase the incredible history of the Erie Canal and now we’re packing all those events and activities into one last summer send-off to the Erie Canal bicentennial in Buffalo.”

To help visitors “step back in time” and to connect Buffalo’s Erie Canal history to the present and future, the programming and events will take place in several locations, including the Longshed (building at the intersection of the Buffalo River and the Commercial Strip), Ruins (remaining historic brick masonry along the Commercial Strip), on the lawns of Canalside and the Hanger Building (Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park).

Schedule of Events:

  • 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.: Explore Buffalo Walking Tour.  Meets outside the Longshed. Reserve your spot here.  
  • 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Discover the Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief, a replica of the 1825 original at the Commercial Slip.
  • 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.: Waterway of Change Exhibit in the Longshed. Reserve your tickets here. Walk-ins also welcome.
  • Noon to 12:45 p.m.: Dave Ruch concert on the stage.
  • Noon to 2 p.m.: Movie Series: Creating the Canal at the Hanger Building, Naval Park.
  • Noon to 3 p.m.: Explore & More Activities + Family Scavenger Hunt on the Great Lawn.
  • Noon to 5 p.m.: I LOVE NY Mobile Experience on the Great Lawn.
  • Noon to 5 p.m.: Buffalo Bike Tours meets at the kiosk on the lawn. Small fee, reserve ahead of time or onsite.
  • Noon to 5 p.m.: Kayak Rentals & Tours on the Boardwalk. Small fee, reserve ahead of time or onsite.
  • 1 to 1:45 p.m.: White Pines Dance Group on the stage.
  • 2 to 2:30 p.m.: People Inc.’s Blue Ink Butterfly on the stage.
  • 2 to 3 p.m.: Speaker Series: Charting the Course for Canalside with Tim Bohen & Rich Newburg in the Hanger Building, Naval Park.
  • 3 to 4 p.m.: Yellow Jack concert on the stage.
  • 3:30 to 5 p.m.: Arts for Learning Traveling Museum on the Great Lawn.
  • 4 to 5 p.m.: On the Canal: Scenes & Songs in the Ruins.

“We are thrilled to welcome visitors from all over the world to Canalside for this bicentennial celebration and kickoff to the World Canals Conference,” said Bob Radliff, Executive Director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and World Canals Conference co-host.  “Representatives from 10 countries and 22 U.S. states are attending and this will be a fantastic way to introduce them to Buffalo’s heritage and vibrant revitalized waterfront.”

Sunday will also be the last day of the free shuttle service at Canalside.  The shuttle operates on a fixed route, covering key locations between parking lots surrounding Canalside and attractions within the Canalside property. The shuttle runs on a constant 15-minute route loop.

The “Waterway of Change: Complex Legacies of the Erie Canal,” an engaging new visitor experience at Canalside in Buffalo commemorating the Erie Canal Bicentennial, will also be open. The 2,900-square-foot exhibit invites guests of all ages and abilities to explore Buffalo’s canal legacy through an inclusive and engaging lens. Housed in the Longshed building, Waterway of Change brings the canal’s layered history to life with short films, interactive touch screens, immersive audio, and historic artifacts. Complementing the indoor experience, a series of outdoor interpretive displays along the historic towpaths will offer visitors a deeper connection to this transformative chapter in New York’s story.  More information on hours and free, timed-admission ticketing is available here. 

About Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation

The Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) is governed by a nine-member board consisting of seven voting directors and two non-voting, ex-officio directors. The seven voting directors are recommended by the New York State Governor and are appointed by the New York State Urban Development Corporation d/b/a Empire State Development as sole shareholder of ECHDC. The two non-voting, ex-officio director positions are held by the Erie County Executive and the City of Buffalo Mayor.

As a subsidiary of Empire State Development, the state’s chief economic development agency, the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation supports and promotes the creation of infrastructure and public activities at Canalside, the Ohio Street corridor and the Outer Harbor that is attracting critical mass, private investment and enhance the enjoyment of the waterfront for residents and tourists in Western New York. Its vision is to revitalize Western New York’s waterfront and restore economic growth to Buffalo based on the region’s legacy of pride, urban significance, and natural beauty.

Contact: 

Pamm Lent | [email protected] | (716) 846-8309 | (800) 260-7313

Laura Magee | [email protected] | (716) 846-8239 | (800) 260-7313