Two sturdy and friendly Medina mules named Yank and Reb will be earning their keep once again when the historic replica schooner, Lois McClure, sails into the port of Medina to tie up for a big weekend of celebration starting July 20.
The Medina Canal Task Force has announced that the two animals, which once pulled the widely-known “Miss Apple Grove” will be harnessed and in action along the towpath. It will be a return to days of old when mules pulled all the Erie Canal traffic.
“This seems like a very special addition to this event and we couldn’t pass it up,” said James Hancock, task force chairman, after he met with the owners of the mules, Ron and Nancy McCarty of the Stone Farm Bed & Breakfast on North Gravel Road.
The 88-foot Lois McClure, built and touring out of Burlington, Vt., is making a grand historic tour of the New York state canal system this year and Medina’s weekend is among the featured stops. The 175th anniversary of both the Village of Medina and its fire department also will be celebrated with a host of activities.
The owners of the mules said they are delighted that their animals will have another chance to serve the community.
“These mules are 1,500 pounds of pure strength and are by nature calm and easy to handle,” said Ron McCarty, who was a mule driver in the days when the pair pulled the tour boat of the Apple Grove restaurant.
Plans are advancing for a full-scale weekend of entertainment, Hancock said. Activities will include public tours of the schooner, a Saturday evening musical concert in the canal basin, walking tours of Medina, photo displays, dockside demonstrations, sales events, open houses, wagon rides, an auto cruise-in and public welcoming at the Medina Historical Society and the Medina Railroad Museum.
Other events and firefighter contests will be part of the local birthday.
“We will be announcing a full-time schedule for all the weekend events as the summer goes along,” said Hancock.
“The schooner will be the centerpiece, but the weekend is shaping up as a major all-around celebration,” added Orleans Tourism Director Wayne Hale.
Local News
May 29, 2007
MEDINA: Well-known mules are about to make their return
- Local News
-
-
Niagara woman is fooled by ‘phisher’
Caller was able to infiltrate her computer.
-
Canal Fest, city spar over closing time
Police chief, council members debate 11 p.m. closing time.
-
Overdue update to take place
Aging water tank to get needed repairs.
-
Bill would ban offenders
Would hold monitors to the same standards as drivers.
-
Home care agency sale OK’d
Vote to turn business over to Catholic Health is unanimous.
-
Dead Lockport man had been going to Vegas
Mark Dunham’s body found Wednesday; exposure listed as cause of death.
-
Ice Ice Babies
Members of the Queen City Roller Girls’ junior team ready for first bout
-
Council vacancy takes its toll
Still no decision on whether to OK recount of Third Ward votes.
-
Union deal finally solidified
Common council approves deal with CSEA.
-
Town cop faces disciplinary action
Assessor chosen; meeting scheduled over Amigone crematory.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Worker Tells 911: Powell 'exploded the House'
Triple Win: Santorum Takes MN, MO, CO
Injured Marine Inspired by Homecoming
No Rape Charges Against Son of NYPD Commissioner
Romney Congratulates Santorum, Focuses on Obama
Paul Says Results Help Him Rack Up Delegates
Egypt's Ruling Generals Play Risky Game With US
Former Komen Exec Defends Funding Cut
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
Calif. Gay Marriage Ban Ruled Unconstitutional
Jury Selection for Ex-UVa Athlete Enters 2nd Day
Raw Video: Giants Celebrate Another Super Bowl
Cab Driver Helps Wis. Family Escape House Fire
Greek Leaders Seek Deal As Bankruptcy Looms
Bernanke: Recovery Depends on Consumer Spending
Staff Removed at LA School During Abuse Probe
Eastwood in Super Bowl Ad 'Compassionate'
Stranded Fishermen Rescued From Bay of Green Bay
Analyst: Outside Troops Won't Intervene in Syria
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
