Canalfest '08

The third annual Blackstone Canalfest -- rained out by hurricane Hannah in September -- will take place Saturday, November 1st, outside the new Union Station parking garage at the head of Worcester's Canal District. This time the festival will be weatherproof, taking place partially within the commercial space fronting the sidewalk and spilling out onto Franklin Street.

Canalfest ‘08 will take the form of a classic street festival, featuring vendors of all sorts; horse-drawn wagon tours of the neighborhood; food concessions from neighborhood restaurants; musicians, dancers and street performers; special children's activities; and a huge cash raffle. It will also include the popular 75 foot, water-filled replica of the Blackstone Canal itself, complete with kayak rides and waterfront table seating. The festival will run from 11 am to 5 pm., and several thousand visitors are expected.

The Blackstone Canal established a commercial link between Worcester and Providence in the early 19th century and still exists in its original location beneath what is now Harding Street. The Canal District Alliance is promoting the replication of this watercourse between Union Station and Kelley Square, to serve as a catalyst for the growth of a mixed-use district. The purpose of the Canalfest is to raise consciousness and excitement for the project and to celebrate the new life that is already unfolding in the neighborhood.

For further information visit our website at www.blackstonecanal.org.

To inquire about exhibiting or participating as a vendor at Canalfest, please contact Seth Derderian at (508) 304-3011 or via email at blackstonecanal.org.