(Albany, NY – Aug. 10, 2011) Canal Splash! kicks off Friday, Aug. 12, with a weekend-long celebration of attractions, events and activities available along the 524-mile-long New York State Canal system.

The 6th Annual Canal Splash! Aug. 12-13-14 at multiple locations will include nature walks, bike rides, educational exhibits, boating events, musical performances and tours.

The three-day event is co-sponsored by the Canal Corporation, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, and Parks & Trails New York.

Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, “The Erie Canal is a not only a historic site that should be maintained for commerce and economic development, but also a source of pride for New Yorkers who enjoy its miles of parks, trails and boating.”

“Canal Splash! offers activities for New Yorkers of all ages including numerous fun and educational opportunities while also encouraging physical activity,” Stratton said. “The Canal Corporation is pleased to continue its partnership with the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor and Parks and Trails New York to build upon the success of this annual event.”

Beth Sciumeca, executive director of the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, said, “We invite New Yorkers to come out and enjoy our world renown canal system and hometown hospitality during Canal Splash! After nearly two centuries, the canal is still a magnet for travelers and summer activity and our canal towns are still welcoming visitors whether they come by boat, bicycle or car.”

Robin Dropkin, executive director of Parks and Trails New York, said, “Canal Splash! highlights all the interesting and fun things there are to do along the Canal System, and it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Between the museums, historic sites, cultural activities, and the Canalway Trail, there is something for all ages and interests.”

A complete program of events is available on-line at www.canals.ny.gov/specialevents. An informational brochure is also available at various locations along the canal, including many visitor centers, canal locks and harbors.

Highlights of Canal Splash! events taking place statewide throughout the state this weekend include:

Champlain Canal

7th Annual Cardboard Boat Race – Schuylerville

Join the fun as a spectator or enter the race. Build a human-powered boat made of corrugated cardboard or 100 percent recycled materials that will hold one crewmember and is seaworthy on the Hudson River in Schuylerville.

The Hyde Collection — Glens Falls

“New York, New York! The 20th Century Exhibition.” More than 60 paintings, photographs, sculptures, and works on paper that capture New York City, centered on some of the most notable and beloved features of the city and date from 1889 to 2009.

Erie Canal

Canal Heritage Day – Medina

This annual event will feature live music, demonstrations, games, local booths and art. New this year will be the Taste of Medina. Using a popular ingredient common in canal travel, local restaurants will create a dish showcasing their talents.

Erie Canal and Genesee Riverway Trails Ride – Brighton, Rochester

A 16-mile guided cycling tour on the paved Erie Canal and Genesee Riverway Trails with a rest stop in Downtown Rochester.

An Evening on the Canal – Greece

Enjoy a guided 90-minute tour of the historic Erie Canal from Henpeck Park to Junction Lock, followed by a buffet dinner.

Grand Opening of Erie Canal Museum — Palmyra

Located in the old tenant house on Market Street steps away from the Erie Canal, the museum is filled with original Palmyra items that were used to ship on the Erie Canal. Original ramps for the mules (which were housed in the basement), hand hewn beams, an old train ticket counter from the Ontario Railroad, benches, maps, a barge whistle, and artwork.

Towpath Day – Camillus

“Step Back” into the canal era, celebrating canal circus boats and more. A 5K Mule Skinner walk/ run will open the festivities followed by a day of demonstrations, crafts, music, kids stuff, steam engine exhibit, boat and wagon rides. Activities for all ages.

Futile Thunder at Fort Stanwix National Monument – Rome

The siege continues, because of the miscalculation of the Americans’ abilities and their determination to defend the fort, the British besieged it with undersized artillery. Discover how the British adapted to this problem and still attempted to conduct a successful siege during this one-hour demonstration led by the Oneida Indian Nation First Allies group and park staff. Cannon firings occur throughout this demonstration.

Erie Canal cruise through a 100-year-old lock — Herkimer

Ninety-minute narrated lock-through cruise on the Historic Erie Canal aboard Lil’ Diamond II. Specialty shopping and waterfront dining are also available at the Gems Along the Mohawk Complex.

Bike & Kayak Tours at Schoharie Crossing Site – Fort Hunter

See the remains of the old Erie Canal, the Schoharie Aqueduct, Empire Lock, Yankee Hill, and Port Jackson by bike. Learn about the history of the Mohawk River by kayak.

Exploring the Canals of Cohoes

Travel old canal towpaths where mules pulling barges once trod; see 170-year-old limestone locks built by hand; learn about this 19th century technological marvel; discover the different routes the canal took through Cohoes over time, and hear stories of life in a lively canal town.

Oswego Canal

Magic In Minetto

Live music, children’s crafts and face painting, ice cream social, antique cars, family canoe/kayak race, fire trucks, craft vendors, commemorative stamp cancellation and great food.

Cayuga-Seneca Canal

Wesleyan Chapel Ranger Program – Seneca Falls

A National Park Service Ranger will present a program on the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in the Wesleyan Chapel, site of the convention.

The New York State Canal System is comprised of four historic waterways, the Erie, the Champlain, the Oswego and the Cayuga-Seneca Canals. Spanning 524 miles across New York state, the waterway links the Hudson River, Lake Champlain, Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and the Niagara River with communities rich in history and culture.

For more information regarding events, recreation and vacation opportunities along the Canal system, please visit www.canals.ny.gov or call 1-800-4CANAL4.