The 7th annual Creek Float will take place at 3 p.m. May 7, 2017. Creek Float is a floating art parade held on Onondaga Creek through the heart of downtown Syracuse. The event is held in an effort to raise awareness and appreciation for the conservation of Onondaga Creek and the newly renovated Onondaga Creekwalk. The event coordinators work closely with Creek Rats, Inc., a nonprofit conservation group committed to preserving Onondaga Creek and promoting the beautification of downtown Syracuse and the Creekwalk. It is a fun twist on the standard perception of an art show.
Festivities will be held at the parade finish in Franklin Square, near 500 Plum St. The best areas for viewing the parade are along the Onondaga Creekwalk from West Genesee Street, north to Franklin Square. Entrance to Zone Q of the Creekwalk is on Wallace Street, behind the old firehouse building. People of all ages are encouraged to attend. This is a free, family friendly event.
The artwork consists of floating sculptures that are either mounted on inner tubes, or are buoyant. The sculptures, which are made from many different materials, are submitted by local artists and also by local community groups.
This year, Creek Float has collaborated with Overpass Fest, which brings acoustic musicians to perform on the Creekwalk in busker fashion every week. This year’s inaugural Overpass Fest will take place during Creek Float. The organizers are ecstatic to have these two great events simultaneously. Guests will also be able to take rides on the Big Yellow Fellow, Syracuse’s one and only pedal-powered trolley. In addition, an ethnic dance troupe will perform near 500 Plum St. at the conclusion of the art parade.
The event takes place close to Clinton Square, where the Mountain Goat Run’s Post Race Party is being held on the same day. Take the short stroll to the Creekwalk to help support local art.
People interested in submitting a piece into the parade can register on the event website at creekfloat.org, and those interested in volunteering to help on the day of the event, should contact the Creek Float coordinators at [email protected]. You may also follow Creek Float on Facebook for updates and news leading up to the event.
