First-hand word of the Erie Canal and its tourist potential got a boost last month when more than 450 attendees ~ a record-breaking number ~ convened in Rochester for the week-long World Canals Conference.

A highlight for the visitors, of course, was a look at the Village's canal waterfront ~our shops, pedestrian walkway, and canal-side trail. With the popularity of barge tours growing throughout Europe and Canada, the Erie's potential as a vacation attraction was everywhere evident. At Lock 32 at Clover Street, lock tenders report 97 "lockages" during the floating parade of boats that marked the opening of the conference.

Pittsford Village Mayor Bob Corby was among the speakers at the conference, held at Rochester's Riverside Convention Center.