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 The Schuylkill Canal Association presents its 25th annual Canal Day celebration. The local and regional community is invited to participate in this year’s family-fun events on Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24, for a full itinerary of fun, music, food and competitions along the Schuylkill Canal in Mont Clare.
Even though Canal Day has grown from its first small gathering in 1982 to a large community-wide happening at St. Michael’s Park and Lock 60 in Mont Clare, the goal each year has remained the same, according to SCA president Betsy Daley. The Schuylkill Canal Association wishes to raise awareness of the Schuylkill Canal, its significant history as an important part of our nation’s industrial growth and its place in the regional community as a valued recreational and historic resource.
Canal Day’s focus over the last 25 years has also remained a constant: to get people on the water to use and appreciate it for recreation and to promote the preservation of the Schuylkill Canal Park and its environs through stewardship. SCA depends on the community’s support and involvement to maintain that focus and to assist the association as it continues in its stewardship, Daley said.
“To keep it going strong come on out to enjoy all there is to do along the Schuylkill Canal for Canal Day 2007,” she remarked.
On the eve of Canal Day enjoy an evening out under the stars. The Nighttime on the Canal, Saturday, June 23, 6 to 11 p.m., will include a variety of fun activities such as a pig roast with all the trimmings, a decorated boat parade, and live music presented by the New Kings of Rhythm, a band from the West Chester area and around who will perform their own eclectic mix of new-age funk music.
On Canal Day, Sunday, June 24, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., everyone’s favorite activities will be back along with some added features you don’t want to miss. Both events, on Saturday evening and Sunday, will be held at Lock 60 on the Schuylkill Canal in Mont Clare. Added this year will be Canal Day Flea Market on Sunday at St. Michael’s Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Food, beverages and a bake sale will be available during the flea market. Free parking will be available on Canal Day in St. Michael’s Park. Both events will be held rain or shine.
Canal Day 2007 is sponsored by Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust and Audubon Land Development. The Nighttime on the Canal is sponsored by Synergy Environmental Inc. Other sponsors include Onesky Engineering Inc., SEI, CASCOR, Lionville Technology Solutions, Latshaw’s Hardware & Kayaks, the Fitzwater Station Restaurant, Continental Bank in Limerick & West Norriton, Sunset Grill Pizzeria and many more.
There is a minimal admission fee to both events. Advance tickets for the Nighttime on the Canal are available at the Locktender’s House at Lock 60, at the Fitzwater Station Restaurant in Port Providence or through any of the volunteers helping with the event. If purchased ahead you will save $5 off the ticket price: $25 for pig roast & music ($30 at the gate), $15 for music only ($20 at the gate).
Nighttime on the Canal parking will be available at Produce Junction, Mont Clare, or at the French Creek Gateway Building at the end of Bridge Street, Phoenixville. Enjoy the beauty of a cool summer evening while strolling along the towpath to Lock 60 to enjoy the entire evening or hop a ride on the shuttle bus that will be available if needed to transport guests from the parking areas from 5:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. Wristbands will be provided upon arrival that must be worn through the evening; hand them in the next day for $1 off admission to Canal Day.
Kicking off the Canal Day activities on Sunday, June 24, is the Schuylkill River Trail Run, a 5 ½-mile run along the Schuylkill River on both the Montgomery and Chester County sides of the river, starting at 9 a.m. This year’s run is in memory of Bob Jones, a dedicated runner who participated in years past. And new this year is a 1.7-mile loop walk just for fun. Registration for the trail run and walk begin at 8 a.m. followed by a continental breakfast also beginning at 9 a.m.
Events happening throughout the day include a fishing derby for kids 12 years old and younger; canoe and kayak demos provided by local outfitters – French Creek Outfitters and Eastern Mountain Sports; plenty of food including a bake sale; kids’ games and crafts and a treasure hunt, everyone will go home with a treasure; the Orbitron and Trampoline Thing – rides for both kids and adults; face painting; crafters; a business expo; Mont Clare Fire Co. equipment displays and water spray; t-shirts and hats for sale; and tours of the Locktender’s House including a brief history of the house and the Schuylkill Navigation system.
Three lock openings will occur at various times throughout the day while Matthew Dodd, a historic re-enactor will present “Songs and Stories of Old Canal Days” with Lock 60 as his backdrop. Boaters in the canal at the same time will be encouraged to participate in the lock opening.
A Membership Tent will be set up on the south lawn of the Locktender’s House where SCA’s members and sponsors are invited to visit to help SCA celebrate its 25th annual community party by enjoying some anniversary cake and lemonade served by board members. SCA will also be setting up a New Membership Raffle with gift certificates and prizes provided by the local business community that will be on display under the tent.
A host of bands will perform live music on the stage from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. that include acts such as: the Blue Moon Band, Christine & Company, Jeff Domenick and possibly two or three others who are trying to free up their day to come on out to perform.
Other competitions this year include the Canoe/Kayak Race starting at 11 a.m.; the National Canal Joust Competition, 1 to 3 p.m., and the comeback of Canal Vaulting from 3 to 4 p.m. All participants should plan to bring a change of clothing – you will get wet! Paddle Boat races will be held between the Canoe/Kayak race starting at 11 a.m. and ending at noon.
New this year will be Highland Games between 9 and 11 a.m.; three different feats of strength will be demonstrated and all adult spectators will be given an opportunity to participate. Sack races will be coordinated for the younger ones. Also, same class canoe and kayak sprints will be run at the end of the day between 3 and 4 p.m.
Free parking for Canal Day 2007 will be available at St. Michael’s Park at the end of Jacobs Street, Mont Clare. A $3 per person gate fee will be collected upon entering the Lock 60 area; children 12 years old and younger are free. A handicapped accessible shuttle bus will also be available to transport those unable to walk the short distance from the parking area to Lock 60 through St. Michael’s Park.
Both the Nighttime on the Canal and Canal Day are hosted by the Schuylkill Canal Association, the non-profit organization whose mission is to preserve and maintain what remains of the historic Oakes Reach, the 2.5 mile watered canal in Montgomery County, just across the Schuylkill River from Phoenixville. It is the only remaining watered section of the Schuylkill Navigation System outside of Philadelphia and the only one with an operating restored lock along the full length of the Schuylkill River.
Each year, close to 25,000 people enjoy the recreational potential of the area, Daley noted. Fishing, canoeing/kayaking, bicycling, picnicking, hiking and jogging are all easily accommodated along the canal. The Schuylkill Canal Association serves as the steward of the area and plays an essential role by reaching out to the regional community, local residents, businesses and governmental bodies asking them to participate in the preservation of this unique heritage resource, Daley explained.
Plan to join SCA for all there is to do the weekend of Canal Day along the Schuylkill Canal. For more information and directions, visit SCA’s website at www.schuylkillcanal.com, or contact SCA at 610-917-0021 or via email at info@schuylkillcanal.com.
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