Fairport Canal Days June 6, 7 & 8, 2008

Since 1977, the Erie Canal Village of Fairport, NY has held an annual Canal Days Festival. One of the largest festivals in the northeast, it draws over 200,000 people to the picturesque village of Fairport each year. The festival is the only one of its kind, produced solely on a volunteer basis. Proceeds from the festival benefit non-profit events and local charities.

Looking for a different kind of venue and a destination for a cruise in some old boats in 2008, an inquiry was made to the festival's organizers to see if there would be any interest in having a display of vintage boats on the canal for at least part of the festival weekend. The reply was positive and about 100 ft. of premium space along the quay in downtown Fairport has been secured for Saturday, June 7th. That space will dock four boats with others rafted off those four. To hold the space, the FLC Board has committed to a minimum of eight boats.

The plan would be to launch by 9:00 AM at Mid-Lakes Navigation's Marina in Macedon, about 6 � miles east of Fairport (no locks to transit), cruising west on the canal to Fairport, and spending the day (till 5:00 PM) answering questions from visitors, increasing interest in antique boats and boating, and encouraging new memberships in FLC and ACBS. At the end of the day, we would return to Macedon for haul-out and meet at an area restaurant for dinner and an opportunity to review the day's events.

If you would like to be part of the above, please mark your calendar and contact your editor. Janice Miller, Ed Ritter and Carl Stearns have already signed up. More information will appear in the March 2008 issue of Brightwork.

Photographs Wanted

If anyone has photographs of the interiors of Skaneateles boat-building companies, the Skaneateles Historical Society would like to consider them for a display that's being planned about that local industry. Contact is Ron Fisher who can be reached at 315-685-5382.

Spring Into Summer' Cruise

July 11 & 12, 2008

Although it may be snowing where you are when you read this, it's time to be looking ahead to warmer times and new boating opportunities.

Since we seem to have "cruised out" our beautiful local Finger Lakes, it has been suggested that we change course somewhat and annually schedule our Early Summer Cruise to coincide with boat shows hosted by other ACBS Chapters. Not only would this venture support the other chapters, but it would also give FLC members an opportunity to cruise new waters while renewing old friendships with members of nearby chapters.

Suggested for 2008, is a Fulton Chain of Lakes Cruise. The Annual Fulton Chain Rendezvous, sponsored by the Adirondack Chapter, ACBS, is scheduled for July 11& 12, 2008, and will center, as always, around the village of Old Forge, NY.

Details are still in the planning stage, but the thought would be to arrive on Friday evening, July 11th, to attend the Adirondack Chapter's cocktail party which is usually held in an historic inn on one of the lakes. After launching the boats on Saturday morning, they would be moored along the picturesque quay at Old Forge Pond within walking distance of village shops and restaurants. Following the day's activities, the ADC hosts a banquet at a fine restaurant in Old Forge.

Sunday morning would offer a self-guided tour of the Fulton Chain, much like FLC provides its exhibitors for cruising Skaneateles Lake. Plans would include a mid-day meeting at one of the inns on the lakes for lunch, and a mid-afternoon return for pull-out. Anyone preferring to participate only in the Sunday cruise can launch at the marina early in the day.

As always, members of other chapters are also encouraged to participate in the weekend. Mark your calendars now! Firm plans and more details will be included in the March issue of Brightwork.