Historic Vessels to Lead Grand Boat Parade in the Tonawandas; Western New York Set to Celebrate Erie Canal's Bicentennial with Grand Festivities

Buffalo, NY – August 12, 2024 – Western New York is gearing up for a spectacular celebration on Friday, August 16th, marking the 200th anniversary of the historic Erie Canal. This milestone event, commemorated across the state, will see communities in Western New York host a vibrant boat parade and a day filled with family-friendly activities centered at the Buffalo Launch Club and Gateway Harbor in the Tonawandas.

The highlight of the day will be the much-anticipated Boat Parade, setting sail from the Buffalo Launch Club (BLC) at 11:30 a.m. Leading the impressive flotilla will be the Buffalo Maritime Center’s authentic Erie Canal boat, the Seneca Chief, accompanied by the venerable Buffalo Fire Department’s historic fireboat, the E.M. Cotter.

The parade will journey down the river, arriving at the Tonawandas’ Gateway Harbor around noon, where spectators can enjoy the spectacle from both sides of the canal. Following its passage, the parade will return to the BLC to join the ongoing festivities.

Gateway Harbor in the Tonawandas will transform into a hub of activity from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees can enjoy live music, informative displays, and presentations delving into the rich history and enduring legacy of the Erie Canal.

For younger visitors, a dedicated Kids’ Fun Zone on the North Tonawanda side will offer engaging activities such as face painting, creative crafts, and other kid-friendly entertainment. Adding to the cultural allure, the Carnegie Art Spree is scheduled to coincide with these bicentennial celebrations.

More information about the art spree can be found at https://www.carnegieartspree.org/.

Back at the Buffalo Launch Club, the parade's starting and finishing point, an open house welcomes everyone, no boat required. The BLC will host a lively barbecue accompanied by music, alongside an extensive array of children's activities.

These include pony rides, bounce houses, face painting, a foam cannon, and a balloon artist, ensuring endless fun for the little ones. Adults and families can also partake in pickleball and yoga sessions, or simply enjoy displays of antique cars and boats, and browse offerings from various vendors.

The Buffalo Launch Club emphasizes that all are welcome to join the open house festivities throughout the day, celebrating two centuries of the canal that shaped New York State.