The town of DeWitt celebrated its 47th annual Canal Day on Aug. 1 with a day full of live music, entertainment, food, games, family-friendly activities and fireworks.
“It’s just a great way for the town of DeWitt to give back to its citizens,” said Megan Ball, town of DeWitt recreation supervisor and coordinator of the event.
According to Ball, the event started 47 years ago as a way to celebrate the town’s proximity to the Erie Canal, but has grown to include many different activities and events throughout the years.
Activities for the 47th annual event included a food truck rodeo, kids games, inflatables, crafts, live music and a beer and wine garden, which featured samples from Lakeland Wineries and 315 Brewing Company. Cornhole tournaments were played throughout the day.
Jeff the Magician showed off his 35-foot canal boat balloon sculpture inside town hall. Local organizations, such as Helping Hounds Rescue, the DeWitt Community Library and the DeWitt Police Department were on hand to talk about their groups and what they do.
Moving DeWitt, a group that aims to make DeWitt a more pedestrian and biker friendly area, hosted a family canal walk where participants could walk along the trail and learn more about the history of the canal at booths set up along it.
And some attendees of Canal Day had just finished the Tour the Towpath, which was a 36-mile bike ride along the Erie Canal that started in Rome, NY, and ended in DeWitt.
“I think this event is so great for the community and so many people attend because there’s activities for the whole family and all ages,” said Ball. “I used to come here when I was a kid, and it’s nice because I can still enjoy it now.”
The night ended with a performance by Letizia and the Z Band and a fireworks display.
“I think this is a great way to get out of the house and do something fun during the summer,” said Pery Kelly of North Syracuse. “So often when you’re at home, everyone is so into their phones and electronics. This is a good way to get away from all that — Plus it’s free, you can’t beat that!”
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].
