For Immediate Release
Press Contact: Noah Howard
Public Relations Manager
pr@tourcayuga.com
Cayuga County Celebrates the Erie Canal Bicentennial with Special Events & Activities
Cayuga County, April 2025 – The Erie Canal, a defining feature of New York’s history and development, is celebrating its bicentennial in 2025, and Cayuga County is ready to welcome history enthusiasts eager to honor this milestone. With a rich canal heritage and a full lineup of engaging events and resources, visitors can immerse themselves in the stories, sights, and experiences that have shaped the region for two centuries.
To commemorate this historic occasion, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism has launched a dedicated Erie Canal Bicentennial section on TourCayuga.com. This hub includes an array of resources and interactive opportunities, such as:
- Canal History Blog Series – Delving into the canal’s profound impact on Cayuga County and beyond.
- Bicentennial Photo Gallery – A visual journey through the canal’s past and present.
- Bicentennial Canal Photo Contest – An invitation for photographers of all skill levels to capture the beauty of the canal and submit their best shots.
- Downloadable Canal Bicentennial Explorer’s Guide – A comprehensive guide to key sites, attractions, and experiences along the canal in Cayuga County.
- Exclusive Erie Canal Bicentennial Poster – A beautifully designed poster by David Owens Illustration, celebrating the historic waterway.
- Canal Bicentennial Events Calendar – A continually updated listing of celebrations, including the Brutus Canal Festival in Weedsport, NY, on June 1, 2025.
One of the most anticipated highlights of the bicentennial celebrations is the arrival of the Seneca Chief, a full-scale replica of Governor DeWitt Clinton’s historic packet boat. Built by the Buffalo Maritime Center, the Seneca Chief will embark on a 28-port commemorative voyage, retracing the original journey that marked the Erie Canal’s grand opening in 1825. The vessel will make a highly anticipated stop in Cayuga County on October 2, 2025, offering a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to witness this living history event firsthand.
As excitement builds for this once-in-a-lifetime bicentennial celebration, the Cayuga County Office of Tourism encourages everyone to stay updated by visiting TourCayuga.com for event details, historical insights, and ways to get involved.
– We hope to see you canalside in Cayuga County this summer!
About Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau:
The Cayuga County Convention & Visitors Bureau (CCCVB) is Cayuga County’s tourism promotion agency. We increase tourism and related revenues through promotion and research-based targeted marketing, and we improve the visitor experience by providing data and training to local hospitality industry providers. We continuously work to increase tourism and improve the visitor experience, which in turn stimulates economic growth and sustains recreational and cultural opportunities in the County.