Sunday, April 13, 2008

ERIE CANAL CLEAN SWEEP IS NEXT WEEKEND

The third annual Canal Clean Sweep will be held April 19 and 20, with nearly 60 events scheduled in communities throughout the New York State Canal System corridor. Canal Clean Sweep is sponsored by the New York State Canal Corporation, in partnership with Parks & Trails New York, in preparation for the upcoming 182nd canal navigation season and in recognition of Earth Day.

The Clean Sweep events will highlight the significance of the canal system as a recreational and tourism destination in New York State as communities, businesses and not-for-profit organizations engage in cleanup and beautification activities along the Canal and the Canalway Trail.

Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the Canal Corporation, said, "The response of communities to the Canal Clean Sweep has been tremendous, with nearly 60 events planned throughout the corridor this year. This annual event brings hundreds of volunteers together to help spruce up the Canal System, including our parks and trails, and lay out the welcome mat for visitors to canal communities this spring."

The Canal Corporation and Parks & Trails NY are providing tee shirts, garbage bags and bottled water for all Clean Sweep volunteers and are also arranging for trash pickup following each of the events. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and supplies and wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Gasport's section of the Canal towpath will be picked-up by Cub Scout Pack 26 of Barker and their families starting at 9:00 on the 19th.