One of the long-time traditions of the annual Canal Fest in the Tonawandas is the Tug O War competition between teams from the twin cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda.  Each year teams of 15 men on each side battle for the title of Canal Fest Tug O War champion and again this year the City of Tonawanda emerged the champion.

Dale Mussen photo
Dale Mussen photo
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Last year the winning team needed only six seconds.  This year it was a better battle lasting just over 30 seconds.

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Depending on who you talk to it's either the fourth straight title or the sixth straight title.  Maybe it's somewhere in between, but regardless it's all for laughs and competitors from both sides look forward to it each year.

In the early days of the Canal Fest the Tug O War was fought across the waters of the Erie Canal. The teams would gather on opposite banks of the canal and the winner would be determined when the opponent was pulled into the water.

As a result of Monday night's Tug O War, North Tonawanda Mayor Art Pappas will push Tonawanda Mayor Rick Davis across the Renaissance Bridge in a wheelbarrow to kick off the annual Canal Fest Parade.  Tuesday night's parade begins at 6:30 in the City of Tonawanda along Grove Street and Main Street and finishing on Webster Street in North Tonawanda.

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