Construction of the Delaware Division of the Pennsylvania Canal system began in 1827 and was completed by 1832. The quick work created a less than water-worthy structure and the canal quickly required additional funding and manpower to keep the boats afloat.
However leaky the original design, it included many features and mechanisms that can still be seen today. In fact, some are still in use.
Since the development of photography, this technology has been used to record important events, inspiring vistas, family gatherings, and simple pleasures. Photographs help give context to a place and time.
If you are familiar with our Facebook Page, you have seen many images provided by two outstanding photographers who generously share their talent with us weekly. Sometimes it is challenging to choose which image to post next.
Many towpath visitors take advantage of the Loop Trails that connect Pennsylvania with New Jersey. Both states have similar canals and histories but serve very different purposes today. [Read more…]
Friday, June 19 6-9 p.m.
At the Bristol Borough Lagoon Park
Jefferson Avenue and Prospect Street
NEW – Food Trucks
Decorated Boat Parade
The River Drivers in Concert
Duck Decorating and Contest
Cardboard Boat Float Contest
Games
Community Groups
Click here for Boat Parade application.
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Saturday, June 20 1 to 4 p.m.
The Canal by the Actors’ NET Theatre in Morrisville
635 North Delmorr Avenue (Route 32)
NEW – Try Kayaking
Demos by the Delaware Canal State Park staff and short paddles up and down the Canal
Duck Decorating and Contest
Art Exhibit
The Bucks County Folk Song Society in concert
Food
Games
Community Groups
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Here’s what you can do now –
Decorate a Boat!
cleopatra
Enter the Decorated Boat Parade in Bristol!
Everyone from up, down, and all around the Canal is invited to participate.
If you have a canoe, kayak or other vessel, transform it into a floating wonder and show it off in the parade. Individuals, families, neighborhoods, businesses, and organizations are encouraged to enter. Don’t worry about time, effort, or quality. Some of the best boats are put together in the blink of an eye, and ALL are loved by the spectators.
At the parade, generous cash prizes will be awarded for the most humorous, beautiful, and colorful, as well as Judge’s Choice and Best of Parade. All entries will receive commemorative rosette ribbons.
Driftwood Water Adventure, LLC will loan their kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards to Bristol Borough residents for free. Watercrafts will be dropped off June 15 at residents home and picked up Friday 19 before 5pm. DWS will also provide PFD and paddles. Call Patrick Mulhern at 215 882 4850 to secure your watercraft. Crafts are limited, first come first served.
Click here for the Bristol entry form.
Or visit the Delaware Canal Festival Facebook page, call 215-862-2021, or e-mail friends@fodc.org.
Decorate a Duck!
decorated ducks
This year there will be duck decorating opportunities at each of the Festival locations. You may buy your official yellow rubber ducks at various locations beforehand and take them home to transform them or you can come to the duck booth at the festival and decorate your quackling right on the spot.
Cash prizes will be awarded in both Adult and Kids Up to 10 categories – Best of Show, Judges’ Choice, Most Humorous, and Most Beautiful.
Buy a Duck to Help Canal Improvement Efforts!
Like the looks of the Canal Festival ducks, but don’t feel like decorating one? Feel free to purchase one just to have it. They make great bathtub companions.
One Duck for $5 or 5 Ducks for $20
Buy Your Ducks Here
Bristol
Bristol Borough Hall, 250 Pond Street
Great ID’s by Anne, 257 Radcliffe Street
Mignoni Jewelry, 200 Mill Street
Spice & Co., 131 Mill Street
Morrisville
Morrisville Borough Hall, 35 Union Street
Anthony’s Pizza IV, 44 East Bridge Street
Morrisville Free Library, 300 North Pennsylvania Avenue
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The Delaware Canal Festival has something for everyone.
It’s free, and it’s lots of fun.
The Delaware Canal Festival is sponsored by
fodc logo
Friends of the Delaware Canal
LT Logo
Landmark Towns of Bucks County
DL Alliance logo
Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor
raising logo
Raising the Bar
Visit The Friends of the Delaware Canal’s Booth at the Tinicum Arts Festival at Tinicum Park in Erwinna, PA on the following days:
Saturday, July 11
10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, July 12
11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Get all the details:
http://www.tinicumartsfestival.org/
Friends of the Delaware Canal
145 South Main Street
New Hope, PA 18938
Phone: 215.862.2021
Michael Ginder, Executive Director
Helping on Canal Clean-up Day is just one way you can get involved and help to restore, preserve and improve the Delaware Canal. Big or small, the perfect job for you awaits – all you need to do is get involved! FIND OUT MORE