Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey and New York State Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton hold a press conference this morning to announce the dedication of the new locks on Oct. 3 and a celebration called "Locktoberfest" on Oct. 4. (PHOTOS BY SCOTT LEFFLER / ENP STAFF)

ENP STAFF REPORTS
news@eastniagarapost.com

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A poster for Loctoberfest was displayed at a press conference today.

Excited to promote the completion of Phase I of the Flight of Five restoration project, as well as fall tourism, The New York State Canal Corporation and The City of Lockport will dedicate the newly re-created locks on Oct. 3.

The dedication ceremony for Locks 69 and 70 will feature a number of public events including a canal boat flotilla and a demonstration of the lock at work.

Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton called the recreation of the locks a "great achievement" this morning in a press conference along the canal. He said their dedication on Oct. 3 will serve as a precursor to a day full of festivities the following day.

Lockport Economic Development Director Chuck Bell said Phase I of the locks restoration cost $3.2 million. Phase II will cost about $3 million and include a set of gates to the east of the current ones, as well as a set of gates to the west.
On Oct. 4, a full day of family-friendly festivities will take place in the area of the Flight of Five and Canal Street. Activities include a Community Market featuring an expected 40 vendors from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., craft brewers and wineries from noon to 5 p.m, narrated tours of the Flight of Five and the Erie Canal Discovery Center, a canal artists show at 57 Canal St., children's activities and musical performances.

Heather Peck of Lockport Main Street Inc. said the event will feature wine from the Niagara Wine Trail, as well as beer from primarily Western New York brewers. She also said she's looking for vendors for the Community Market on a first-come first-served basis.

"Locktoberfest" is a joint project between the Lockport Locks Heritage District Corporation, Lockport Main Street Inc., the New York State Canal Corporation, I Love NY, and the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets.

Stratton said it "is going to be the start of what will be an annual system-wide event."

Lockport's Economic Development Director Chuck Bell watches on as Mayor McCaffrey talks with Brian U. Stratton, the director of the New York State Canal Corp. following a press conference this morning.

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