Schuylkill Canal Association Gears up for 32nd Canal Day

This Sunday, June 28th, the Schuylkill Canal Association will be hosting its 32nd Canal Day.

For the last 32 years people have been gathering on the last Sunday in June to support and celebrate Schuylkill Canal Park, with Canal Day. This year the Schuylkill Canal Association has added a Beer Garden that will be serving Sly Fox beer at the St. Michael’s Pavilion. Also new this year is a Civil War Camp Reenactment with tours and stories of the great conflict.

While adults will be able to enjoy a cold beer on a summer’s day, kids will remain the main focus. Fishing poles will be available for children 12 years old and under who want to participate in the Kid’s Fishing Derby between 9:30-10:00. Popular rides such as the Orbitron and the Bungee Bounce will be back again this year along with Kid’s Crafts, Games, Face Painting and Story Tellers. Kids are also welcome to help the Locktender open Lock 60 and listen to the lively narrative of the Locktender.

The Schuylkill Trail Run will start the first competition of the day. The trail run will cover five miles that includes ravines and plateaus and ends with a flat section along the river. Many have described the course as the most scenic and demanding run in Montgomery County. Registration begins at 8:00 AM at St. Michael’s Park; the run starts at 9 AM at Lock 60.

Race in the Canoe / Kayak Race or watch from shore as contestants paddle down the river, portage to the canal, and paddle back to Lock 60. Registration begins at 10:00 AM, with boats in the water by 11:00 AM for the race. Awards will be given in the canoe and kayak categories. Registration is $15.00.

Frisbees will start flying at 1:00 PM when the Kan Jam Tournament begins. Registration is at 11:30.

The last competition of the day is the ever popular Joust. Meet your opponent on the jousting pole over the canal. Your goal - knock your opponent in the canal. The Joust will begin after the last Lock opening. Must be an adult to participate.

There will be Canoe/Kayak Demos at Lock 60 where you will get a chance to try out the latest boats on the river free of charge from EMS and French Creek Outfitters.

BINGO will be held all day at St. Michael’s field and music will be provided by Blue Plate Special followed by Christine and Company. Music will run between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Food trucks and will be selling water ice, hot dogs, sandwiches, funnel cakes, T-shirts, and more.

Canal Day - 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Lock 60 and St. Michael’s Park in Mont Clare, PA (right across the river from Phoenixville). A $5 per person donation will be accepted upon entering St. Michael’s Park from Jacobs Street and along the towpath to Lock 60, children 12 and under are free. Please be advised, Towpath Road will be closed to vehicular traffic, starting at 8:30 AM until 4:00 PM, A handicap-accessible shuttle bus will bring people back and foforth, free-of-charge, from the parking area all day.