Fifth Annual Canal Splash! Kicks Off Thursday, August 12, in Waterford

Celebrates Opening of Waterford Handicapped Accessible Pathway & Canoe/ Kayak Launch

ALBANY, NY (08/11/2010)(readMedia)--

New York State Canal Corporation Director Carmella R. Mantello will join representatives from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Parks & Trails New York, local officials and event organizers at the Waterford Harbor Visitors Center in Waterford, Saratoga County, on Thursday, August 12, 2010, at 11 a.m. to kick off the Fifth Annual Canal Splash! weekend and to celebrate the opening of a new handicapped accessible pathway and canoe and kayak launch. (Directions below.)

The three-day celebration takes place August 13-15 and will highlight the history, culture, recreational appeal and beauty of the New York State Canal System and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor. This year's Canal Splash! features nearly 100 events and activities, including nature walks, educational exhibits, boating events and races, musical performances and tours.

Members of the media, including photographers, are invited to attend. People who attend the event by canoe or kayak will receive a free Waterford Canal Harbor tee shirt.

For more information regarding this event, please call the New York State Canal Corporation at (518) 436-3055.

Directions to Waterford Harbor Visitor Center:

From NYS Thruway to Interchange 23 (Albany, Rensselaer), north on I-787 to the end. Turn right onto Route 32 North (Saratoga Avenue) which becomes Broad Street in the Village of Waterford. Turn right onto Second Street and follow the brown signs for the Heritage Area Visitor Center to the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center parking lot. Press conference will take place across the canal, opposite the Visitor Center.

The Canal Corporation is a proud sponsor of the 2010 World Canals Conference to be held in Rochester, N.Y., from Sunday, September 19, 2010, through Thursday, September 23, 2010. For more information about the World Canals Conference please call 585-355-6037 or visit www.wccrochester.org .

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