Seneca Falls’ Aquacade makes a big splash

Over 30 different watercraft visited the Seneca Falls Canal Harbor for the Canal Fest this past weekend. Culminating with the Aquacade Watercraft Parade on Saturday, June 9th, spectators along both sides of the Seneca-Cayuga Canal were entertained by decorated and non-decorated watercraft. The Aquacade Watercraft Parade included various entrants, from kayaks to a 45ft Cigarette Style Speed Boat. Decorated watercraft were judged for the best decorated with honors awarded for 3rd Place, 2nd Place, and Grand Champion.The Aquacade Watercraft Parade traces its roots back to the original Aquacade which was held during the Aqua Festivals in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. “The original Aquacade was populated by hand-made floats that were built on pontoons which were sponsored by area businesses and organizations. We thought that it would be entertaining to bring back this floating parade to showcase our beautiful Canal Harbor and include our local boating community. We received a lot of positive feedback and interest which will help grow this unique event,” said Dennis Scannell, Aquacade organizer.Lakeside Engineering sponsored this year’s Aquacade Watercraft Parade and awarded cash and plaques to the top three winners. The 3rd Place award went to a pin wheeled decorated, water shooting kayake, the 2nd Place honors went to a grass skirted hula craft from the Finger Lakes Athletic Club, and the Ya-Ya Girls pontoon boat took home the Grand Champion award.