Date: May 23rd 2009

Canal Day Music and Craft Festival Update

With the addition of The Hsu-nami, a dozen bands will now be performing at the Canal Day Festival.

The Hsu-nami returns to Canal Day. The Hsu-nami is a progressive rock instrumental band known as the first Er-hu Rock Group in America. Incorporating the use of an amplified ”Erhu”, a two-string bowed instrument that is often used in Chinese classical music and folk ensembles to take the place of lead vocals. Hsu-nami’s music was featured in the 2008 Summer Olympic in Beijing. The track “Rising of the sun” was the theme music representing the Chinese Basketball teams entrance theme.

Pony Rides have been added to the event and four ponys will be available for chrildren to ride. Additionally, a beautiful team of horses will be providing hay wagon rides along the Morris Canal Tow Path during periods when the canal boat mule is not available.

The Canal Day Festival is an old time country fair that celebrates the Morris Canal and its contributions to the development of the communities along its banks. The festival is now in its 34th year. Come to a day of free family fun featuring a juried craft show, food, educational events and 12 live bands. Hand picked crafters from around the region will be there to display their beautiful offerings. Approximately 3000 people from around the region, from Connecticut, Pennsylvania and as far away as Texas, attended the festival in 2008 to celebrate this heritage and history. This year's Festival will be larger than ever with the addition of a second performance area for acoustic venues. There will be something of interest for everyone to enjoy! Learn about local history by taking a guided Morris Canal walking tour provided by the Canal Society of NJ. Experience life on the Morris Canal first hand by traveling down the canal on a free mule drawn boat ride or prove your pr

owess by paddling a kayak. The Wallaby Tails Traveling Zoo’s demonstration of exotic animals will delight children of all ages. Many, many, more activities for fun and learning are planned. Come spend the day with us at Hugh Force Canal Park located at 170 West Central Ave., Wharton, NJ, from 10-7PM. Fireworks display at Robert Street Park at 8:00 PM and as always admission is free. Please visit http://www.canalday.org/canalday.html for further information.