North Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - For the past 44 summers, Canal Fest traversed the Webster Street-Main Street corridor that connected the cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda.
But come this July, the popular summer festival is headed to Gratwick Park along River Road.
The Canal Fest board made the decision after concerns were raised by the City of Tonawanda.
"We do appreciate everything [the City of] Tonawanda has done for us," said Pete Chenier, Canal Fest president.
Last summer, Canal Fest ran for 10 days in North Tonawanda, but only eight days in the City of Tonawanda.
During a Jan. 13 North Tonawanda Common Council meeting, Chenier hinted that the move may be forthcoming, citing concerns the City of Tonawanda had about the volume of visitors Canal Fest attracted.
North Tonawanda has embraced the move, with Mayor Austin Tylec saying he fully supports the move.
"It was a [Canal Fest] board decision," Tylec said. "Our role here is to help them any way we can."
In Gratwick Park, Canal Fest is dealing with a site that has lots of elbow room. The park, which overlooks the Niagara River, has more than 1 million square feet.
On its website, Canal Fest says the move will allow for "more rides and more food."
Gratwick Park has hosted the Thunder on the Niagara speed boat races and numerous live concerts.
As for leaving an economically revived Webster Street, Tylec said "there is a mixed bag of opinions."
"This is what the Canal Fest board wanted to do," Tylec said.
Canal Fest is set for July 19 to July 26.