One of the Biggest Summer Traditions in Seneca Falls, New York Returns

If you’ve missed Canal Fest in Seneca Falls, you’re definitely not alone. Seneca Falls has always been a favorite spot for my family, not just because of the incredible history there, as the birthplace of the women’s rights movement and home to the National Women’s Hall of Fame, but also because it claims to be the inspiration for the fictional town in the classic, It’s a Wonderful Life.

After taking a year off during the reconstruction of the Seneca Falls Harbor, the summer tradition is finally returning this July, and it sounds like organizers are planning a huge weekend for the comeback.

This Year’s Canal Fest Will Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

The three-day event runs from Friday, July 3, through Sunday, July 5, along the Cayuga-Seneca Canal in downtown Seneca Falls. This year’s festival also ties into America’s 250th anniversary celebration, giving the holiday weekend an even bigger community feel.

READ MORE: How Seneca Falls Played a Major Role in Women’s Rights

There’s just something about a Fourth of July weekend in a small New York town that hits differently. Live music drifting through downtown, kids carrying funnel cakes bigger than their heads, lawn chairs lined up hours before fireworks, neighbors catching up after running into each other near the food trucks. Canal Fest has always brought that kind of energy.

Food Trucks, Vendors, Music, and Family Activities Will Fill Downtown

Visitors can expect food trucks, local vendors, live music, games, inflatables, crafts, and family activities spread throughout downtown Seneca Falls. Organizers say People’s Park has been redesigned, creating a better gathering spot to relax by the canal while listening to music from the gazebo.

Families with younger children will also find a new playground behind the bandstand, along with an expanded children’s area on the south side of the canal.

The New Touch-a-Truck Area Could Easily Become a Kid Favorite

Parents and grandparents may want to make a beeline for the new Touch-a-Truck attraction.

READ MORE: Did NY's Seneca Falls Inspire Classic 'It's A Wonderful Life?'

Kids will have the chance to climb on and explore fire trucks, construction vehicles, farm equipment, and emergency vehicles while meeting the people who operate them every day.

If you’ve ever watched a child completely freeze in awe at the sight of a giant truck, you already know this area is going to stay busy.

Live Music Will Keep the Festival Going Into the Evening

Each night of Canal Fest will wrap up with live music performances in People’s Park. This year’s featured performers include The Frank & Julie Band on Friday night, NEO Project on Saturday, and The Noble Rebels before Sunday night’s fireworks show.

Additional performances are also being planned throughout the weekend, so there should always be something happening somewhere along the canal.

The Duck Race and Patriotic Parade Are Both Returning

The Canal Fest Duck Race is also returning Sunday afternoon.

More than 1,500 ducks will be dropped into the canal from Bridge Street Bridge while volunteers in kayaks help guide them toward the finish line. And yes, there are cash prizes involved.

Sunday will also feature a patriotic parade through downtown Seneca Falls in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Community groups, schools, businesses, families, and organizations are all invited to participate with decorated floats, vehicles, or walking groups.

Fireworks Over Van Cleef Lake Will Close Out the Weekend

The festival wraps up Sunday night with fireworks over Van Cleef Lake following a performance from The Noble Rebels.

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After taking a year off, Canal Fest returning feels like one of those signs that summer traditions are settling back into place. For many families, weekends like this are part of growing up, and getting the festival back on the calendar is something many people have been looking forward to.