Canal Fest of the Tonawandas Makes Unexpected Change

One of the biggest trademarks to an annual event in Western New York has been canceled this year. 

Canal Fest is held in North Tonawanda, typically every year, though the pandemic gave the festival some challenges. This year, many Western New Yorkers were excited to hear that the week-long event would return this July.

However, as you scroll through the Canal Fest website, you will see this message: “Canal Fest of the Tonawandas has a little something for everyone! We pride ourselves in the variety of food, music, rides and nightly events our festival has to offer. Our parade is one of the largest in all of New York State, and our Bike Cruise draws nearly 3000 motorcycles from Western New York and surrounding states..”

Unfortunately though, we found out that large parade, a highlight of Canal Fest every year, would be canceled this time around.

Rick Maier, the Canal Fest Vice President, posted the news on Facebook.

“It’s true…. Due to budget constraints and very low registration numbers, the 2022 Canal Fest Parade has been canceled. We will be back next year!”

People asked what the budget constraints were, and VP Maier elaborated in the comments section, saying that “closing roads, police overtime and insurance” still costs money. 

As of now, that is the only change to Canal Fest. The craft show will still continue as planned, and non-profit food vendors will be on Young St/Canal Street. The kiddie rides and games will still be held on Niagara Street, where the big rides were in previous years. The big rides for Canal Fest will be in North Tonawanda this year, in the Manhattan Street parking lot.

The food will still be at Canal Fest this year, and there are even some new menus available. The week-long festival starts on Sunday, July 17.

We will update you if there are any other changes to Canal Fest this year. 

You can relive the memories of Canal Fest below: