One Hundred years ago the Waterford Flight was dedicated.  The flight of five locks from Waterford Harbor to Crescent raises vessels over 165 feet in 1.5 miles to travel around Cohoes Falls.  This is the largest change in elevation in the shortest navigational distance anywhere in the world.  The fight was originally dedicated on May 15, 1915.

This Friday, May 15 we will celebrate this centennial.  The flotilla of the Grand Erie and tug Urger will leave the Waterford Harbor at 10:30 am and travel to Lock 2. When lifted in first level the dignitaries on board will disembark, the colors will be presented, the National Anthem will be played and addresses of welcome and commemoration will be given. The celebration will continue with a trip through Lock 3 and a tour of the Waterford Dry Dock and State Maintenance Facility.  Saturday the Annual Canal Fest with pick up the centennial celebration from 9 am – 6 pm.  Some of the highlights include an educational walk on the towpath with historian Russ VanDervoort at 10 am titled “Waterford’s Original Connection to the Erie Canal” At 11:15 Brad Utter, Sr. Historian at the NYS Museum will present a talk on “The Waterford Flight: A Lasting Impact” At 1:30 Duncan Hay of Erie Canalway Heritage Corridor will make a presentation on the canal system and at 2:45 Russ VanDervoort will be presenting a talk on ” The Politics of the Flight” All presentations are at the Waterford Visitor’s Center, are free of charge and in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the Opening of the Waterford Flight.  A complete schedule of activities are available on the Village website.

I hope you can join the festivities!