Lyons resident Bob Stopper has received the New Yorker Award from the New York State Tourism Industry Association for his exceptional volunteer work promoting the Erie Canal. For more than a decade, Stopper has greeted visiting boaters with stories, smiles, and local history, turning ordinary stops into unforgettable experiences.
Stopper’s impact extends beyond the docks. He contributed artifacts and research to the Wayne County History Museum’s Capture the Canal exhibit and will soon narrate Erie Canal boat tours for the county’s bicentennial celebration. His storytelling has become a centerpiece of Wayne County’s heritage tourism.
Known for his passion and personal touch, Stopper has become a beloved figure on the canal, praised for preserving history and connecting people through his infectious enthusiasm.
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