Erie Canal Towpath Day, Aug. 13
BY Liz and David Beebe
Towpath Day is an annual family orientated festival to encourage the public to come and experience the history of the Erie Canal through sites and sounds and learn of the many exciting recreational opportunities.
The Camillus Solvay Geddes Rotary will start the festivities with the Muleskinner 5K Race which starts at the Camillus Firehouse at 9:00. For further information csgrotary.org
This yea ‘s theme is “Stepping Back in Time.”
The museum parking lot will be a “Village Green.” Displays and demonstrations of old fashion crafts will be placed around the perimeter.
In the center of the “Village Green” the Morris Dancers will hold a May pole dance encouraging audience participation. Entertainment will include a Gospel group and portrayals of a suffragette, canal workman, and Al Hinman will give an incite to mules.
Across the canal is Kids Stuff, including traditional face and rock painting. There will be Make and Take items, which focus on our theme. Youngsters will have chances to play old fashion games.
Home Depot will bring a team to help kids build a toy or useful household item.
The steam exhibit attracts lots of attention. Visitors assist in making ice cream and butter. There are a variety of vendors and raffle items.
Passengers board the boats to fiddler tunes.
The wagon rides stop at our 1890 house boat, the Catherine, and hear the story of tobacco growing, a part of local history. Daisy the mule will delight visitors.
Actors, portraying historical figures, will mingle among the crowd.
While the Blue Grass Band, Diamond Someday entertains, folks will enjoy local Central New York food, Gianelli sausage sandwiches with all the trimmings, salt potatoes and Hofmann hotdogs.
At the close of the day we look forward to hearing the strains of the Soda Ash 6 Dixie Land Jazz Band as they play aboard Camillus Erie.
Towpath Day is truly filled with activities to please everyone.
If you go
Stepping Back in Time
Saturday, Aug. 13, 10 to 4 p.m.
Erie Canal Park 5750 Devoe Road
Free admission, shuttle service available
