Many happy faces greet boat on commemorative 200th anniversary voyage of Erie Canal

Photos by Tom Rivers

ABOARD THE SENECA CHIEF – Terry Abrams, Orly the Ox, Medina Mayor Marguerite Sherman and Deputy Mayor Jess Marciano wave to people along the Erie Canal in medina on Thursday afternoon.

A replica of the historic Seneca Chief canal boat, the one that made the maiden voyage across the Erie Canal, is embarking on a commemorative trip over 33 days in honor of the canal’s bicentennial.

The Seneca Chief left Buffalo on Wednesday morning and stayed at Lockport that night. On Thursday, the boat travelled east to Medina.

Orleans Hub editor Tom Rivers was on board the boat from Middleport to Medina. Here on some photos from that trip, which included many onlookers who were taking photos and welcoming the Seneca Chief. The boat is on a 33-day journey and will end in New York City on Oct. 26, the exact 200^-year anniversary of the original voyage with Gov. DeWitt Clinton in 1825.

These people record the Seneca Chief working its way down the canal. This spot is just east of Middleport.

These cyclists wave to the Seneca Chief contingent.

Ginny Kropf, a long-time local reporter, didn’t want to miss the Seneca Chief as it came to Medina.

This group waves to the people on board the Seneca Chief.

Mark Prawel, a village trustee and mechanic, took a short break from working on cars to see the boat pass by near the lift bridge in Medina.

Some people are on the Glenwood Avenue bridge in medina to see the boat come through. The mural was created by Brandi Zavitz.

John Kucko, who has a very popular social media presence, was at the north wall in the Canal Basin to record the boat coming to Medina.

The boat approaches its destination at the Canal Basin. There were about 200 people there to welcome the boat and then get a tour.

The boat will be on the move going east today. It is expected in Albion around 11:30 a.m., Holley at 1:30 p.m. and then in Brockport around 3-3:30.