The Tonawanda News
— —
Count another Canal Fest in the books, and count it as one of the most successful ever.
After a 2009 edition that was rain-soaked, 2010 saw much more sunshine and, at least by anecdotal evidence, much more street traffic.
Kudos are in order for Larry Denef, the Canal Fest president, and his small army of volunteers and workers who help to make the event a success year after year.
It’s easy for people to sit around and complain about the state of things in the Tonawandas and Western New York. The refrain is all too familiar. “There’s nothing to do around here” and “Western New York is a dying community.”
For nine days in the Twin Cities, that was proven wrong. A wealth of activities appeal to young and old alike. Thousands upon thousands of people came to this community and were shown the best we have to offer.
Cynics will point to the arrest of a Buffalo teen who pulled a knife during a fight as some sort of proof that Canal Fest is a problem, that it’s grown too large and has somehow become a problem rather than part of the solution to what ails this area. Those people would be wrong.
Any public event that runs as long as Canal Fest does is bound to have a few bag apples. Police on both sides of the canal deserve credit for the long hours they put in to secure the event. And if News readers are any indication, their work was noticed.
We asked our Facebook readers after Tuesday’s incident whether or not they felt the Fest was still a safe place to visit. The overwhelming number said yes. Many cited an increased police presence as the reason why. Still others credited event staff as being observant and helpful, as well.
With all that in mind, Tonawandans should be proud of Canal Fest and the attention it brings to the Twin Cities. As always, we look forward to it next year.
