{"id":103614,"date":"2019-06-06T11:40:21","date_gmt":"2019-06-06T15:40:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=103614"},"modified":"2019-06-06T11:01:41","modified_gmt":"2019-06-06T15:01:41","slug":"paddlers-converge-on-the-historic-erie-canal-at-the-old-erie-canal-boat-float","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/madisoncountycourier.com\/?p=103614","title":{"rendered":"Paddlers converge on the historic Erie Canal at the Old Erie Canal Boat Float"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

More than 500 paddlers will fill the Old Erie Canal with colorful kayaks, canoes and SUPs on Saturday, June 15, to kick off the\u00a0Canalway Challenge<\/a>\u00a0in Central New York. Starting from various launch sites within the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park, participants will enjoy a scenic paddle along the historic Erie Canal, then converge on the Chittenango Landing at 2 p.m. for the bash and drone photo. Proceeds benefit Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum. Register for the Boat Float\u00a0online<\/a>\u00a0or by calling 315.687.3801.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Canalway Challenge is a new initiative from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor that invites people to trace history while tracking miles walking, running, cycling or paddling on the New York State Canal System and Canalway Trail. The free program includes a range of mileage options–15 miles, 90 miles, 180 miles, and 360 miles\u2014so that people at all fitness levels can choose a mileage goal that suits their ability and participate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Boat Float Bash will take place at The Boatyard at Chittenango Landing within the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park, operated by Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum (CLCBM), immediately adjacent to the Old Erie Canal waterway, following the Boat Float. There will be food trucks, music, blacksmith demonstrations, family activities, and more.\u00a0 A drone camera will capture the annual aerial photo of the paddlers and participants. All registered paddlers participating receive a copy of the new Old Erie Canal Paddle Guide, an official sticker, and special gifts from the US Coast Guard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt is exciting to see people of all ages come out to fill the canal with colorful kayaks and canoes,\u201d says Jamie Kowalczk, member of the Old Erie Canal Community Working Group putting on the event. \u201cPaddlers may see several sunken canal boats, pass over working aqueducts, and view the restored dry docks at Chittenango Landing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new pedestrian\/bicycle bridge is open as well, connecting the canal trail to the Chittenango Village creek walk. \u201cChittenango School district has organized a family walk to the canal bridge, that coincides with the paddlers, to kick off the Canalway Challenge, for people to walk, run, cycle or paddle on the canal,\u201d said Joe Treglia, executive director of the CLCBM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The event has a $10 donation registration to participate. It takes place on the historic Erie Canal waterway within the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park. There are four locations to start from so paddlers can self-select the mileage of their paddle.\u00a0 No matter which of the locations participants choose to launch from, all paddlers should end at the Boat Float Bash at 2pm in time for the drone photo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is an option to pay for a shuttle bus that will take you from Chittenango back to your launch site. Boats can be dropped off at the launch sites so that vehicles can be left at the Canal Museum. Staff will monitor boats placed at the launch sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At each of the first four launch locations participants will be greeted by a Canal Ambassador who will accompany them on the paddle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Launch locations and starting times include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n