Brian Stratton, the Director of the New York State Canal Corporation, gives an address opening the 2013 Canal Season, which is the 189th in the canal's history, at the Welcome Center in Brockport, NY, on Saturday, May 4th, 2013.
As Director Stratton states usually the opening ceremony is held in Waterford, NY, the eastern terminus of the Erie Canal where it merges into the Hudson River down by Albany, but this year due to the efforts of Brockport Trustee, Margay Blackman, the ceremony was held in Brockport the western terminus of the canal from 1823 - 1825 when it was being constructed.
This address and ceremony is the keystone of the first Low Bridge, High Water celebration which has run five days from May 1 - May 5th the brain child and organized by Brockport Trustee Margay Blackman and her committee: Bill Andrews, Sri Ram Bakshi, Jacquie Davis, Colleen Farley, Joan Fenton, Richard Fenton, Alicia Fink, Pam Ketchum, Archie Kutz, Paul Wheat, and Brian Winant.
This event has put Brockport on the map and was covered by the Associated Press leading to articles in the Wall Street Journal, Long Island's newspaper, Newsday, and many others.
There was a sculling regatta from Spencerport to Brockport which brought people to Brockport from Cincinatti, Virginia, St. Catherines, Ontario and many other places in New York State. There also, was a 5-K race in Corbett park and many other events and activities which has made Brockport a unique tourist destination at this time of year.
Many thanks to Trustees Blackman, Hannan, Blair, and Andrews for putting Brockport on the map and highlighting the historical and recreational value of our Village.
