The Seneca Falls Business Association announced this week that BonaDent and Sessler Companies will be the major sponsors for the 5th Annual Seneca Falls Canal Festival.
“BonaDent and the Bonafiglia family are happy to support the Canal Fest and the Seneca Falls Business Association.” Said Bruce Bonafiglia, BonaDent Dental Laboratories President & CEO. “They’ve had a rough year due to Covid and we want to be sure they bounce back to the glory years of Canal Fest! We’re hoping everyone gets out to enjoy this wonderful annual event!”
The chosen slogan for this year’s Festival is We’re Back, Crowd smart and community strong! reflecting on the importance of exercising safety in the midst of the Covid 19 pandemic. Mask wearing, although not required at this outdoor event, will be encouraged and provided at key entry points to the Festival, and many hand sanitizing opportunities will be throughout the grounds.
“We know the community has been waiting for an event like this for more than 18 months,” said Ann Sandroni, SFBA President and Canal Fest chair. “We are thrilled that BonaDent and the Sessler Companies and family, have joined us this year as major sponsors to help bring back the Festival.”
The Sessler Companies and family have partnered with the Town of Seneca Falls to provide the floating barge and spectacular fireworks display held on Saturday night.
Additional top-tier Canal Fest sponsors for this year include Generations Bank and Waterloo Container as well as many other community businesses and individuals who have stepped up with their support.
As in the past, the festival promises fireworks, amusement park rides, a variety of vendors, duck race, music on the community stage and a kids play area including a petting zoo.
Friday night’s big band entertainment beginning at 8pm will be Night Train. The group performs a mix of 60’s, 70’s dance songs for a fabulous party experience.
Saturday night’s big party band, beginning at 7 p.m., will be Mixtape specializing in classic rock dancing tunes you want to sing along to. Saturday’s band will be followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.
Sunday’s highlight will be the 5th Annual Canal Fest Duck Race at 3pm where over $2500 in cash and prizes will be awarded to lucky duck ticket holders. Two thousand rubber racing ducks will be dropped from the Bridge Street bridge into the Senecayuga Canal and make their way down river to the Ovid Street bridge. Accompanied by a dozen Duck Wranglers in kayaks, the first duck to cross the finish line will win $1000. The second place duck wins $500, third place wins $250 and the very last duck to cross the line will receive $100. Many other prizes donated by local businesses and individuals will be awarded to over 30 additional winners.
“We want to make sure everyone stays safe during the Festival and we will be distancing the craft and food booths to allow for safe, comfortable shopping and eating,” said Sandroni,
Although the Festival opening day is near, volunteers are still welcome to help make the event a success. Interested persons can apply on the contact page of the Seneca Falls Canal Fest website.
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