Corning Glass barge, replica canal schooner will be in Medina this weekend
Photo by Tom Rivers: A 30′ x 80′ canal barge equipped with Corning Museum of Glass’s patented all-electric glassmaking equipment pulled into Holley on July 24. Corning and its glassmakers have been touring the canal this summer. The barge will be in Medina this weekend for demonstrations.
MEDINA – The Medina community is again preparing to welcome the historic schooner Lois McClure to the canal basin, this time accompanied by the Corning Glass barge.
Medina Tourism Committee has planned a weekend of events to celebrate the boats’ visit Aug. 11 and 12, according to Kelly Kiebala, a member of the Medina Tourism Committee.
The Lois McClure first visited Medina in 2007 and has made several return visits since.
“They really like Medina,” said Jim Hancock, chairman of the Medina Tourism Committee.
The ships will be welcomed in opening ceremonies at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 11.
Photos by Ginny Kropf: The Lois McClure docks in Medina’s canal basin during its 2017 trip down the Erie Canal. The schooner is again traveling the canal this summer, accompanied by the Corning Glass barge. They will be docked in Medina Aug. 11 and 12.
New this year will be a wine tasting booth from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day by Leonard Oakes Winery.
A food truck is expected on site from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, and Pedal and Paddle boats will be available in the canal basin.
More children’s activities are planned this year, including a bounce house, dunk tank and face painting, Kiebala said.
Two bands will entertain, Acoustically Sound from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday and Pocket Change from 3:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday.
The Kendall Lawn Chair Ladies also will perform on Saturday from 6:30 to 7 p.m.
Tours of the Lois McClure will be available from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, as will glass blowing demonstrations on the Corning Glass barge. Reservations are required for the glass blowing demonstrations and may be made online at www.cmog.org. Some may also be available each day, Hancock said.
Another highlight will be food demonstrations and dancing from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday by Mariachi de Oro Mexican Restaurant.
“We are fortunate to have these boats visit on the weekend,” Hancock said. “It will make for a nice event, with the music, demonstrations and wine tasting.”
The schooner Lois McClure, accompanied by the Orleans County Sheriff’s boat, rounds the bend under the State Street bridge in Medina during its 2017 visit. The schooner will return Aug. 11 and 12 with the Corning Glass barge. Admission is free to both.
