Information & Town News

The Town of Clifton Park in conjunction with the New York State Canal Corporation and the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor will host Canal Fest in the Vischer Ferry Historic District on October 11-12, 2025, in celebration of the bicentennial anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the creation of the Erie Canal, a waterway that shaped our nation and impacted the settlement of what is now the Town of Clifton Park. In decades past Clifton Park has celebrated the significance of the Erie Canal with an annual Canal Days celebration. Being the bicentennial anniversary, this is the perfect year to resurrect those events and celebrate.

Canal Fest will take place over both days of the weekend and will be held at various locations throughout the Vischer Ferry Historic District including Amity Church, the Vischer Ferry General Store, the firehouse, and the Vischer Ferry Historic Nature Preserve. There will be food trucks, performances, guided tours and exhibits. The event kicks off on October 11th at 9:30 am, with a dedication ceremony for the new historic marker at the access road to the Vischer Ferry Cemetery followed by a parade down Riverview Road at 10:30am and continues through Sunday afternoon.

“The proximity of Clifton Park to the Erie Canal and the role it has played throughout our history is part of what makes our Town so unique. I look forward to celebrating this distinct heritage alongside residents during this meaningful and fun commemorative weekend,” said Councilwoman Reid.

For more information including the schedule of events please go to Canal Fest Schedule of Events.