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Medina will celebrate Erie Canal’s 200th in a big way on Wednesday

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 July 2025 at 11:19 am

Concerts, including Albany Symphony, with day capped by fireworks over the water

File photo by Tom Rivers: Fireworks are reflected in the Erie Canal on November 25, 2023 just before the Parade of Lights in Medina. On July 2, there will be fireworks again and they will be directed closer to the canal.

MEDINA – The Village of Medina is teaming with the State Canal Corp. for a big party on Wednesday to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

The big highlights include a concert by the Albany Symphony in the Canal Basin from 8 to 9:30 p.m. with fireworks to follow at about 9:35.

There will be many vendors throughout the day and other concerts and presentations.

The fireworks will be shot in the air towards the canal. It gives a rare chance to see them reflected in the water during the summer.

“We have a nice variety of activities for adults and kids,” said Jim Hancock, chairman of Medina’s Tourism Committee.

The lineup of events includes:

  • Noon to 2 p.m. – McHenry & Baz perform at the Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 2:15 to 2:45 p.m. – Medina Sandstone & Erie Canal Talk by Tom Rivers at Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 3 to 5:30 p.m. – Albany Symphony Open Rehearsal at Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 5:50 to 6:20 p.m. – Orleans Bicentennial Presentation and Meet the Pioneers/settlers skit Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 6:35 to 7:10 p.m. – Medina Alumni Jazz Band at Medina Harbor Mainstage
  • 8 to 9:30 p.m. – Albany Symphony Orchestra Concert at Medina Harbor Mainstage with Fireworks Finale at 9:35 p.m.

The events are all free to attend. There are also other free daytime activities from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. including Barbara’s Bags and Bonnets, Between the Vines: Wooden Crafts, County Tourism Booth, Downtown Merchants Discounts / Specials, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library: Kids Activity Center, Medina Area Partnership, Medina Historical Society, Orleans Bluebird Trails, Orly the Ox Meet and Greet: County’s Bicentennial Mascot, Village Tourism Booth, Visual Arts show in open galleries on Main Street, and Walking Tours of Downtown Historic Panels.

There will also be several food and beverage vendors: Polish Korner, Dubby’s Pizza, The Coffee Pot, Wild Flour Deli and Bakery and Hans’s Bakery.