New location but same old CanalFest--and that's a good thing

NORTH TONAWANDA, N.Y. (WBEN).....For the first time in its 43 year history, CanalFest is not being held in both the City of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda.

Instead, CanalFest - Sunday - made its debut in North Tonawanda's Gratwick Park along River Road and early returns say the locational shift has been a success.

CanalFest organizers were forced to make the shift to Gratwick Park this past February after an agreement with the City of Tonawanda couldn't be reached but North Tonawanda welcomed the annual event and helped with the move to River Road.

"The good news is that everything now is in one location," said Pete Chenier, CanalFest president.

Chenier said Gratwick Park offered more elbow room and a picturesque background along the Niagara River.

"I would imagine we will see a lot of boats parked in the water just checking things out," Chenier said.

True, boaters did that in years past along the Erie Canal, which served as the backdrop.

Gratwick Park offers more than 1 mile of space.

Chenier said that allowed his organizing team to bring in more rides, more food vendors and exhibtors.

It also allows for more classic cars to be showcased in the July 22 "Car Night" and more motorcycles for the July 24 "Bikers Night."

Instead of fireworks - which were dropped for logistical reasons and expenses - a laser show is planned for July 23.

"We are trying to make it the best we can," Chenier said.

Also scrapped was the annual CanalFest parade - again a victim of logistics and lack of time, Chenier said.

"We are already getting some feedback on that," Chenier said.

Chenier has ruled out CanalFest returning to both North Tonawanda and the City of Tonawanda in future years.

Organizers will be meeting with representatives from both cities this fall.

North Tonawanda is willing to continue to offer Gratwick Park.

"For this year, we are here," Chenier said. "Next year? Who knows."