Fifty to sixth canal fans celebrated the of the Erie Canal 1825 opening bicentennial at Iron Smoke Distillery in Fairport on October 26.

Mike Gladstone and band performed his song 200 Miles commissioned by the Canal Society.

Click here to listen to the song.

Capt. Tammee Poinan Grimes writes, “The custom cookies, cupcakes & charcuterie were well received.”

She continues, “Additional live music was performed by band “Junkyard Field Trip” & friends. Rochester News 8 was there doing interviews for a story about the party and the canal.”

As Canal Society President, Tammee spoke, as did the Mayor of Fairport, Julie Domaratz; Director of Fairport OCED, Johnna McCooey; and Senior Vice President- Industry Relations for Visit Rochester, Greg LaDuca.

Read more about the event here.

Tammee continues, “The Canal Society of NY State is raising funds to cover the costs of creating a music video for the new song 200 years about the Erie Canal’s past, present, history and meaning. Captivate Media will capture new video footage of locations throughout the current and previous Erie Canal along with footage of the musicians/vocalists on the song, historic photos, antiques from the Canal Society’s archives, and more! This music video will give us another great way to help celebrate the Erie Canal’s Bicentennial today and a gift to share with future canal lovers too.”

Colonial Belle donated/covered the food & decorations. Iron Smoke Distillery donated use of their space.

Photos here credited to Steve Boerner, Craig Williams, and Tammee Poinan Grimes.