All photos credit: Mohawk Valley Pictures
On Saturday, June 14th, 2025, paddlers from across Central New York gathered to celebrate a once-in-a-generation milestone, the 200th anniversary of the historic Erie Canal. The annual Boat, Float ’n’ Folk Festival in Chittenango, NY (just east of Syracuse), offered the perfect setting for the celebration, combining history, music, community, and the great outdoors. This year’s event had even more to celebrate with the ribbon cutting of a brand-new BoardSafe Adaptive Kayak Launch, now open to paddlers at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum.
Paddlers of all ages and experience levels took to the calm, flat waters of the Old Erie Canal, starting from various launch points, most notably the BoardSafe Dock installed at Poolsbrook by the Manlius Recreation Department. There were four available paddles that day, all ending at Chittenango for the festivities. The new BoardSafe launch made it easier than ever for participants to safely enter and exit the water, including those with mobility challenges. Its adaptive design features stability, accessibility, and durability that invite everyone, from first-time paddlers to seniors, families with kids, and adaptive paddlers, to confidently experience the water.
As kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards floated peacefully past historic aqueducts, over sunken canal boats, and through wide water sections of the canal, the impact of the new launch was evident. One paddler commented, “This is the easiest and safest launch I’ve ever used. It really sets the tone for a relaxing and enjoyable trip.” Over 200 paddlers joined the float, many taking part in a commemorative drone photo to mark the Erie Canal’s bicentennial in a truly unforgettable way.
BoardSafe’s mission to create inclusive access to waterways aligned beautifully with the spirit of the day, honoring the past while looking forward to a more accessible and adventurous future on the canal. The new launch provides a permanent improvement for the Chittenango community and its many visitors, ensuring the Erie Canal remains a recreational destination for generations to come.
The celebration concluded with the folk festival at Chittenango Landing, complete with live music, food trucks, artisan demonstrations, and a petting zoo. It was a day full of history, laughter, and paddles raised in joy.
Whether you missed the festival or want to come back for more, the Old Erie Canal State Historic Park remains open for paddling all summer. Thanks to BoardSafe Docks and our partners, the water and its history have never been more inviting.
For vacationers looking to learn more about the Erie Canal and its history, the following sites can help you plan your trip: NY State Parks & Historic Sites, NYS Canal Corporation, Village of Chittenango, Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum, Town of DeWitt Parks and Recreation, Town of Manlius Recreation Department, Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, Madison County NY Government, and Tour the Towpath.
For over 20 years, BoardSafe Docks has been a trusted leader within the commercial dock-building industry. BoardSafe’s team has the resources, knowledge, and experience to successfully take projects from inception to completion, delivering them on time and exceeding client expectations. We specialize in aluminum-welded floating docks, adaptive kayak launches, accessible fishing piers, rowing centers, gangways, pedestrian bridges, and other waterfront access products.
If you’re looking for safe access to the water, give us a call at 610.899.0286 or contact us through BoardSafeDocks.com and allow us to find a solution for improving access to your waterfront. Your paddling community will appreciate the investment!
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