Local dignitaries arrive at the locks via the tugboat Urger. (ENP STAFF PHOTOS)

BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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Mayor Anne McCaffrey opens the dedication ceremony.

It was a veritable who's who of Lockport business and politics at the locks this afternoon as the recently re-created Locks 69 and 70 were dedicated.

There were plenty of kudus spread around over the $3.2 million project, which began in November and was finished this summer.

Lockport Mayor Anne McCaffrey opened and closed the dedication program, pointing out several members of the audience who had helped in some manner or another — from current and former state and local politicians to the Grigg-Lewis Foundation.

McCaffrey discussed the changes in the area of the locks over the past decade, noting the refurbishment of Canal Street and the businesses that have popped up on it, as well as the re-creation of the locks themselves.

The Lock City Glee Club performs.

Other speakers included NYS Canal Corp. Director Brian U. Stratton, Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, James Ward — speaking on behalf of state Sen. George Maziarz, and County Legislature Chairman Bill Ross. Also in attendance were legislators Rick Updegrove, Tony Nemi, and Keith McNall; aldermen Ron Franco and Pat Schrader, North Tonawanda Mayor (and state senate candidate) Robert Ortt, community and business leaders.

Many of the dignitaries arrived just prior to the event via a flotilla that came through the locks from west of the city.

The Lock City Glee Club performed for the crowd of nearly 100.

Stratton reminded the crowd that the festivities will continue Saturday with Locktoberfest, a community celebration along Canal Street, including a farmers/vendors market from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and craft beers until 5 p.m.

State officials set up a boat this morning at the site of the locks dedication.

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