River Romance Activities at Seneca Park
A close neighbor of ours, the Genesee river will be featured during the upcoming Rochester River Romance Weekend, October 3rd through 5th, 2014. The event features a full schedule of activities and events celebrating the Genesee River’s deep history and natural wonders such as guided tours, river cruises, live entertainment and much more.
One event in particular that may be of interest to our neighbors is a nearby Guided Bike Ride of Seneca Park and Turning point Park. An event description is included below:
10/5
1 to 3 p.m.: Guided Bike Ride of Seneca Park and Turning Point Parks.
Meet at Seneca Park Zoo parking lot. Ride on the Genesee Riverway Trail north to the Port of Rochester. See spectacular views of the river gorge, ride on the 4,000 foot boardwalk in Turning Point basin, and under the O’Rorke Bridge. This is a 12 mile ride on a paved trail with a few moderate hills. Free.
Just a bit further afield here are some more highlights of the weekend celebrating our fine neighbor:
10/4
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Guided Tours of RG&E Hydroelectric Facility.
Tour the RG&E Hydroelectric facility located along middle falls- including the dam and spill gates operation, river intake/rackhouse and upper level of gate control house. Learn about how renewable electric energy is produced along the Genesee River. Please note that these are guided tours conducted by RG&E staff and are subject to cancellation should unplanned issues arise. Tours will start at the middle falls dam located at the SE end of Lower Falls Park.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Tours of the Lower Falls and Gorge.
Docents from the Maplewood Neighborhood Association will treat visitors to the beauty and history of the Lower Falls of the Genesee. Tour participants will learn about the five bridges over the gorge, the rivalry between Carthage and Rochester and the river’s transformation from a place of industry to recreation, to name just a few historic highlights. Tours are about 45 minutes long with the last tour starting about 3 p.m., and are free.
12, 1 and 2 p.m. Historic Aqueduct Guided Tours.
Get a rare glimpse inside the original crossing of the Erie Canal over the Genesee River, giving birth to Rochester’s claim as America’s first boom town. Short presentation and tours will be provided by members of the Canal Society of New York State. Meet in the lobby of the Rundel Memorial Building of the Rochester Public Library, 115 South Ave.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: River to Roof Tours.
Meet in the lobby of the Rundel Memorial Building of the Rochester Public Library, 115 South Ave. Led by The Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library. Tours leave every half hour, beginning at 11 a.m. The last tour begins at 1 p.m. Tours will visit the Lower Stacks, where a trap door to an old millrace will be opened for viewing and participants can learn how the river is a natural air conditioner for the building. The tours will also visit the Upper Stacks, where participants may hear about various ghostly experiences staff have had in the building. A stop on the roof will reveal a spectacular view of the Genesee River and the city. Tours are free. For more information, contact Rebecca Fuss, Director of Programming & Outreach, at 585-428-8350 or Rebecca.Fuss@libraryweb.org.
10/5
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Autumn at the Lake. Ontario Beach Park, Lake Avenue at Beach Avenue.
Free family fun featuring hayrides, pumpkin decorating, children’s activities, Rec’ on the Move mobile recreation vehicles, free historic Dentzel Carousel rides and the Grease Paint Alley Clowns doing face painting and balloon animals. Refreshments are available. See Greece Historical Society and the Charlotte Village and Transportation Museum exhibits on Col. Patrick O’Rorke and soldiers from Charlotte/Greece who served in the Civil War. Buy exclusive Charlotte history books and merchandise, postcards, hats, t-shirts. Sponsored by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and the Charlotte Community Association.
1 to 5 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours.
Visit the oldest surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822). Tour includes climbing the Tower, viewing the Keeper’s House and the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. The gift shop is also open. $3 admission. For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.
2 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Murals of Charlotte High School.
Join Bob Paradise and Marie Poinan in the Charlotte High School Auditorium for a talk on the 1942 WPA murals of Carl Peters and the story of their restoration in 2009. Event sponsored by the Charlotte High Archivists and the Class of 1945. Commemorative mural poster and note cards will be available. Free.
For a complete event listing click here.