Harvest on the Canal to replace long-time Palmyra staple, Canaltown Days

PALMYRA, N.Y. (WROC) — A decades-old tradition in Palmyra is set to be dissolved for good after the Board of Directors of Palmyra Canaltown Days announced it was battling with rising costs, struggling to retain vendors, sponsorships and more.

This year, Canaltown Days would have celebrated its 55th anniversary in Palmyra. Friday in front of the Union Agricultural Society of Palmyra at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, officials announced a new celebration will take its place.

It’s called “Harvest on the Canal ” and it will feature a 5k race, a car show and live music. Officials with the Union Agricultural Society of Palmyra say, when news spread Canaltown Days would dissolve, they worked tirelessly for 24 hours to come up with a new plan, separate from the village.

“Yesterday (Thursday) morning I was in Newark, and one of the vendors that had some stuff here as well has a shop there in Newark and he had first told me that all of a sudden they weren’t going to do it anymore – so there was a lot of scuttle out there on what’s going to happen,” Said Assemblymember Brian Manktelow, who represents District 130 in New York State. “Pam called our office three hours later, and now we’re back on.”

Pamela Ferranti is the President of the Union Agricultural Society of Palmyra. She said, there are some benefits for the community in moving the location of the event to the Wayne County Fairgrounds.

“We like to be very all-inclusive. So those that may need wheelchairs, or strollers – or those that have strollers – it’s easy to walk on black top and cement floor versus walking through grass.” She explained. “And – not taking anything away from what was done in the village, but this gives an added benefit by moving it to here.”

She said, it’s also good news for potential vendors, who might’ve otherwise lost their opportunity.

“From a vendor’s perspective, our pricing is going to be able to be a little bit less. We’re able to bundle things because we do have a fair.” Ferranti said. “So, the vendors will find out about that today (Friday).”

Harvest on the Canal runs September 13 through September 15 at the Wayne County fairgrounds in Palmyra. Canaltown Days used to be held on Main Street in the village. On Monday, July 22 there will be a meeting for anyone interested in becoming a committee member. That will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Floral Hall.

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