Grants available to help fund events, festivals along canal
Photo by Tom Rivers: A woman uses a Hydro-Bike in the Medina Canal Basin on Aug. 10 near the Lois McClure. The 88-foot-long boat was built like a replica of one from 1862. It doesn't have an engine and is pulled by a tugboat. Medina celebrated the boat’s visit with a series of events over two days.
The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, in partnership with the NYS Canal Corporation, is offering a limited number sponsorships up to $500 for events or festivals taking place in the National Heritage Corridor from May through November 2018.
Qualifying events must promote or celebrate the distinctive historic, cultural, scenic, or recreational assets of the canal corridor.
Eligible applicants include municipalities and nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations. Applications are due by February 16.
The bicentennial period (1817-1825) of the canal system continues in 2018, which also marks the centennial of the currently operating NYS Canal System (Barge Canal). Events that mark these anniversaries will be given priority consideration for funding.
“We are also placing increasing emphasis on recreational experiences that help people explore and enjoy the waterway, Canalway Trail, and surrounding communities and heritage assets,” the Heritage Corridor said in a news release. “Cycling, paddling, adaptive sports, hiking/walking events will be given priority consideration.”
For more information on the grants, including an application, click here.
