City of Rochester
News Release
(Wednesday, September 23, 2009) - Mayor Robert J. Duffy today invited the Rochester community and regional visitors to participate in River Romance Weekend, Oct. 9, 10, 11, celebrating the area’s waterways as major natural attractions.
“Rochester River Romance highlights the beauty and history of the Erie Canal, the Genesee River and Lake Ontario,” said Mayor Duffy. “These outstanding waterways were the original source of economic activity in our region and now are the focus of considerable new development, which will be featured during the weekend. Come home to Rochester and discover why you love being a part of this community.”
2009 River Romance Weekend opening ceremonies will take place at the High Falls Granite Mills Park, 3 p.m., Fri., Oct. 9 as Mayor Duffy announces the weekend’s schedule of events. (See attached and enclosed schedule.)
Highlights of this year’s events include guided tours of “The Mills at High Falls,” the city’s newest urban-living apartments; open houses in the cluster of architecture and engineering firms located in restored historic buildings in the area; a “Scholarships on Tap” fundraiser at Triphammer Grill; and the always popular Renew Your Vows on the Banks of the Genesee.
In honor of Rochester’s 175th Anniversary and this fall’s Coming Home celebration, this year’s theme is Coming Home to the Banks of the Genesee. River Romance expects to draw more than 20,000 visitors to nearly 45 different activities along a 13-mile stretch of the Genesee River. The weekend also offers an opportunity to discover the many unique restaurants and businesses located along the City’s scenic waterways.
Other highlights of the weekend include the two-day Head of the Genesee Regatta; guided trail hikes and bike rides; river trips on an authentic paddle-wheeler and a river boat; canoe paddles and other waterway activities; an Arts and Crafts Show at the Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse; the “Autumn at the Beach” festival at Ontario Beach Park; historic aqueduct tours; guided history tours of the Lower Gorge; haunted gorge tours; a jazz performance at Maplewood Rose Garden; family skate at Genesee Valley Park Ice Arena; educational guided tours through historic Mt. Hope Cemetery, Turning Point Park and Seneca Park; and much more.
The City will once again offer a Passport to Romance for discounts and special savings, which will be honored at participating merchants and restaurants during the weekend. The Passport can also be found inside a special River Romance Guide which will be inserted into the Sept. 30 edition of City Newspaper. The River Romance Guide contains a complete schedule of activities and a list of participating merchants. Visitors are invited to go to www.cityofrochester.gov and www.citynewspaper.com to view the Guide.
Passports, River Romance Guides and trail maps are available at any of the following River Romance Headquarters:
• Genesee Valley Park Ice Arena, 131 Elmwood Ave. (585-428-7889)
• The Centers at High Falls, 60 Browns Race (585-325-2030) 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Wed.–Fri.; noon - 6 p.m., Sat.; 1-5 p.m., Sun.
• Genesee/Charlotte Lighthouse, Lake Ave. & Latta Rd. (Behind Holy Cross Church) 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Sat. & Sun.
• Port of Rochester Terminal, Ontario Beach (11 a.m.–4 p.m., Sat. & Sun.)
All River Romance events are free unless otherwise noted in the detailed schedule.
Rochester River Romance is coordinated and sponsored by the City and MVP Health Care in partnership with City Newspaper (www.rochestercitynewspaper.com), VisitRochester (www.visitrochester.com) and a host of community organizations.
For more information, call:
• contact numbers as listed in the River Romance Guide/Schedule
• 24-Hour River Romance Hotline, 428-6767
• City Recreation Bureau, 428-6755, Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
• 311 (outside city limits, 428-5990)
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-enclosures follow-
2009 Rochester River Romance Schedule of Events:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
Fall Salmon Run, 6 a.m.–7 p.m., daily until November. For avid anglers and spectators. Seth Green Dr. & Norton St. off St. Paul Blvd.
University of Rochester Arboretum Tours, 12:30–2 p.m. Meet at west side steps of UR Rush Rhees Library to explore the UR Arboretum with noted horticulturist, Dan Schied. The River Walk, designed by famed landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr., is public parkland showcasing 197 oak trees/15 species.
Opening Activities at High Falls Historic District:
River Romance Opening Ceremony at High Falls. 3 p.m., Fri., Oct. 9. Kick off the River Romance weekend in Granite Mills Park, Platt St. at the Pont de Rennes Bridge, with Mayor Robert J. Duffy as he announces the weekend’s activities and also preview tours available of the High Falls District’s architecture and engineering firms. Learn how High Falls is transforming itself into a successful working and living neighborhood.
Loud, Bright and Bold, 3:30- 6 p.m. Free Art show at the Center at High Falls Gallery.
River of Words, Poetry reading, Center at High Falls, 2–4 p.m. Whether you are a poet yourself or would just like to read the work of another author, this is your chance to exercise your artistic, rhythmic passions. Sign up for a 15 minute slot. Reading times available, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Read one favorite poem or many. Costumes encouraged. To sign up call 585-325-2030 or email swinslow@frontiernet.net.
Open House at the Mills, 3:30–6 p.m. Experience one of the City’s newest downtown addresses, the Mills at High Falls. Guided tours of a model apartment begin at the entrance on Mill St. Applications available.
Architecture and Engineering Tours, 3:30–5 p.m. See how several High Falls historic buildings have been retrofitted into state of the art office space. Tour Chait Studios, Hunt Engineering, Architects and Surveyors, Labella Associates and SEI Design.
Mambo Kings Live at Granite Mills, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy one of Rochester’s favorite Latin inspired, jazz groups. (Rain location: The Centers at High Falls). Free.
History at High Falls Guided Walk, 4 p.m. Led by the Landmark Society of WNY. Experience the High Falls interpretive tour with a guide. Learn about Rochester’s earliest history and how we became the “Flour City.” Meet at 60 Browns Race, in front of Centers at High Falls.
Buskers on the Bridge, 5:30-7:00 p.m. High Falls Pont de Rennes (off State St. at Platt St., adjacent to Centers at High Falls). A scenic spot to capture the amazing talents of a sword swallower, juggler and more. Free, donations accepted.
Scholarships on Tap, Beer Tasting and Silent Auction Fundraiser, 6-10 p.m. Triphammer Grill, 60 Browns Race. Support the Northwest Rochester Rotary Scholarship Fund while sampling delightful beers from Genesee Brewery paired with seasonal food. For more information or tickets contact: Shelley.Matthews@libraryweb.org. Tickets: $25.
Renew Your Vows on the Banks of the Genesee, 7–7:30 p.m. Join your loved one on the Pont de Rennes Bridge (off State St. at Platt St.) for a romantic ceremony in the 19th Century setting of the High Falls Historic District, with a 98-foot waterfall as backdrop. Please arrive no later than 6:45 p.m. Fireworks/laser & light show and free reception to honor participants. No registration or fee required.
Celebrate One City Laser & Light Show, 7:30–8:15 p.m. Enjoy nighttime glitter at High Falls—the crown jewel of the Genesee River. Enjoy the area’s popular bars/restaurants. View from Pont de Rennes, State St. at Platt St.
Harbor Town Belle River Cruises, 12 noon, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Authentic 150-passenger paddle wheeler; 2-hour fall tours of lower Genesee River gorge. Departs Charlotte near carousel. Adults, $12; seniors, $11 and children under 10, $6. Reservations: 585-342-1810 or www.harbortownbelle.com.
Moonlight Skate at Genesee Valley Ice Rink, 10–11:30 p.m. 131 Elmwood Ave., Open skate ages 14–17, $2; 18 and over, $4.50; skate rental, $4.50. Seniors with Feel Good Pass, $2.25. For ages 14 and up. 585-428-7888.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Open Boat Launch (non-motorized boats only), 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Turning Point Park (west on Boxart St. off Lake Ave.), Launch canoes and kayaks; rentals available (fee). Explore the lower gorge and experience autumn’s beauty. Weather permitting.
Durand Beach and Park Tree Tour, 9 a.m.- 12 noon. Free. Learn about Durand Eastman’s unique arboretum and history. Explore the newly constructed trail along Lakeshore Blvd. to Culver Rd. Meet at parking lot A on Lakeshore Blvd. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse 3rd Annual Arts & Craft Show, 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Lake Ave. & Latta Rd. (Behind Holy Cross Church). Free ADMISSION, donations appreciated! Vendors will be selling homemade crafts. Profits from booth rentals go towards the upkeep of the 1822 Lighthouse and 1863 Keeper’s House. This is the second-oldest lighthouse on the Great Lakes and Free Lighthouse Tours will be available. The Lighthouse Gift Shop will be open and refreshments will be available (fee).
Highland Park Tree Tour, 9 a.m. Lead by Kent Lillham from Monroe County Parks. Meet at the Conservatory on Reservoir Dr. 1-1/2 hr. Wear comfortable shoes. No preregistration required. Call 232-5300.
Quilt Raffle: handmade 56 inch x 40 inch quilt embroidered, featuring 28 lighthouses on the East Coast, from West Quoddy Head in Maine to Fowey Rocks in Florida. Raffle winner will be drawn on Sun., Oct. 11. Call 585-621-6179 or visit their web site at www.geneseelighthouse.org.
Geocaching Scavenger Hunt in Turning Point Park, 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Turn west on Boxart St. from Lake Ave., meeting in the Turning Point Park parking lot. Treasure hunting game using a Global Positioning System (GPS) or other navigational techniques. For all ages.
Head of the Genesee Regatta: Day #1, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. The 2009 “Head of the Genesee Regatta” headquartered at the Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Ave., behind the Genesee Valley Sports Complex. The 2-day event will focus on providing a competitive and fun rowing event for Masters, Open, High School, and Collegiate crews. This event will bring people to the banks of the Genesee River to celebrate the sport of rowing in a magnificent natural setting. Public viewing, refreshments (fee), entertainment and parking in Genesee Valley Park East. Volunteers needed. Call 585-737-0069. Visit: www.headofthegenesee.com.
Columbus Day Parade, 11:00 a.m., step-off. Main St., Rochester. Best viewing along Main St., parade review along the Main St. Bridge. Route: Main Street from Liberty Pole/Franklin St., west on Main St. to N. Plymouth Ave. Sponsored by the Columbus Day Parade Committee. Visit: www.ColumbusDayRochester.org.
Guided Bike Tour of High Falls Neighborhood, 10 a.m.–12 noon. Meet at the Pont de Rennes, behind the Centers at High Falls. Travel along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by road into the community. Pedal through downtown Rochester, Genesee Valley Park, Corn Hill and Susan B. Anthony neighborhood (completed Frederick Douglass Museum site). Ride like a pro on the one-mile, world-class Rochester Twilight Criterium Bicycle Race Loop. Guides: Rochester Bicycling Club. Free. No registration required. Visit: www.bikerochester.com.
Historic Aqueduct Tours, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 noon and 2:30 p.m. Get a glimpse of Rochester’s historic underbelly. Led by Canal Society of New York State, these Free tours feature history and insights about this unique downtown aqueduct. Also hear proposals for future redevelopment. Meet at plaza south of Rundell Library, 115 South Ave. at corner of Court St. Relatively steep incline to access the aqueduct. Bring flashlights. No open-toed shoes allowed. Call 428-6755.
River of Words, Poetry Reading, 12-5 p.m. Center at High Falls. See Friday, 10/9 listing.
Maplewood Rose Garden Rose Workshop, 10–11 a.m. Lake Ave. and Driving Park Ave. Make sure your sweetheart’s favorites are protected from the cold. “Winterizing the Beds.” workshop will feature local rosarians teaching you the secrets of successful overwintering. No registration required.
Free Guided History Tours of Lower Falls Park/Genesee Gorge, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Learn the colorful history of the Villages of Kings Landing, Carthage & McCrakenville; the Freedom Trail and the Seth Green Fish Hatchery. See historic images of an early hydro power plant and industries at the Lower Falls. Tours leave approximately every ½ hour.
Jazz Jammin’ in the Garden, 12-2:30 p.m. The sounds of the Darryl Parker trio amongst the beauty of the Rose Garden. Refreshments available (fee).
Haunted Gorge Tours, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Lower Falls Park, park in Maplewood YMCA Lot, Driving Park Ave. A pre-Halloween scare-fest. Perfect end to a romantic day along the river. Family friendly descent into the depths of the Lower Gorge features creatures and spirits sure to scare. Take the tour aboard a tractor drawn wagon. Pre-register fee: 12 and over $5; children under 12, $2. Tickets available at City Recreation Administration Office, 400 Dewey Ave. or at the Maplewood YMCA, 25 Driving Park Ave. Sponsored by the Maplewood Neighborhood Association, Maplewood YMCA and Edgerton Community Center. All proceeds benefit the Association, the YMCA and the Edgerton Teen Council. 585-428-6755.
Harbor Town Belle River Cruises, 2 p.m., 5 p.m., daily, until November. See Friday, 10/9 listing.
Mischief, Murder and Mayhem Guided Walking Tour of Historic Mount Hope Cemetery, 12 noon. Meet at North Gate House, 789 Mt. Hope Ave., opposite Robinson Drive. Historian Dennis Carr will lead this special tour exploring tragic stories of love gone wrong and murder most foul. Learn about the intense community search for young Emma Moore, who disappeared one January night in 1855. Discover the tale of Marion Ira Stout, hanged in 1858 for pushing his brother–in-law to his death in the Genesee Gorge at High Falls. Fee: $4; free to members. Also 1 p.m. regular tour of the oldest municipally-owned Victorian Cemetery, resting place of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Free. Donations accepted. 585-461-3494. Visit: www.fomh.org.
Guided Walk in Turning Point Park, 2–3:30 p.m. West on Boxart St. off Lake Ave. at the Genesee River. Tour the river gorge going south. Includes spectacular walkway through Turning Basin, Bullock’s Woods and Red Falls. Moderate grade changes; not recommended for children under 10. Meet at the Turning Point Park parking lot.
Mary Jemison Twilight Cruise, Corn Hill Landing, 5:30-8 p.m. Dinner & romantic views of the Rochester skyline and history along the Genesee. Navigate a canal lock and the intersection where the River meets the Erie Canal. Seating limited, preregistration required. $50 per person (cruise, dinner, one complimentary champagne cocktail) 585-262-5661.
Brooks Landing Walk and Taste, 4:00-6:30 p.m. Meet with John Borek in the parking lot of Staybridge Suites, Genesee St. and Plymouth Ave. Tour Rochester’s newest riverside hotel and adjoining wharf. Visit the University of Rochester’s new student housing and the historic Congress Ave. Cemetery. Stop at D&L Grocery for a famous Jamaican beef or veggie patty and finish the tour at Boulder Coffee for a free sample of today’s blend and free entertainment.
Division 1 Hockey, RIT versus Colgate, 7:05 p.m. Blue Cross Arena, Broad and Exchange. As part of RIT’s homecoming weekend, the Tigers bring their hockey prowess to the “Big House.” Join thousands of fans as they cheer on Rochester’s only Division 1 sports team. Tickets are available at RIT’s Gordon Field House box office or by calling (585) 475-4121 or at ticketmaster.com.
Celebrate One City Laser & Light Show, 7:30–8:15 p.m. See Friday, 10/9 listing.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11
Open Boat Launch (non-motorized boats only): 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Turning Point Park boat launch. See Saturday, 10/10 listing.
Head of the Genesee Invitational Regatta, Day #2, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Genesee Valley Park hosts the 20th anniversary of this collegiate rowing competition—along with other free family entertainment. Free to the public. Food and beverage (fee). Genesee Valley Park East. Parking at University of Rochester. 585-328-3960. www.headofthegenesee.com.
Guided Bike Ride, Seneca Park & Turning Point Park, 10 a.m.–12 noon. Ride starts at the first parking lot across from the pedestrian bridge in Seneca Park off Saint Paul St. Cross over the bridge to the west side of the river riding the Genesee River Trail; pass the cemeteries on Lake Ave. to Turning Point Park. Continue on the board walk to the Port of Rochester. Helmets required. No reservations required.
Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Arts & Crafts Show, 12 noon-5 p.m. Lighthouse tours 1-5 p.m. See Saturday, 10/10 listing.
Autumn at the Lake, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Ontario Beach Park, Lake at Beach Ave. Free musical entertainment, hayrides, pumpkin patch, children’s games, historic Dentzel carousel rides. “Hug-a-Bug” scavenger hunt; sausage and corn roast (fee applies). Carousel horse carving demonstration by Bruce Fernandez, 12 noon–4 p.m.; Greece Paint Alley Clowns and eclectic sounds of Commotion, 12 noon–3 p.m. Sponsored by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee & City. 585-865-3320.
Displays by the Charlotte Village and Transportation Museum, 12 noon-3 p.m. Shoreline Pavillion, Ontario Beach Park, celebrates the Charlotte Library’s 90th birthday, 180th anniversary of Sam Patch’s leap off High Falls, book signing, firehouses of Charlotte, meet City historian Christine Ridarsky and pick up a free walking tour of the old village of Charlotte to celebrate the City’s 175th Anniversary. Posters, pamphlets, and memorabilia on Rochester, Charlotte and the 1905 Dentzel Carousel available for purchase.
Explore Lower Seneca Park, the “Flats” and the Harbor, 1:00- 3:30 p.m. Meet in Petten Street parking lot. Join local Historian Hal Schuyler as he guides you through the history of Seneca Park including the Trout Pond, the Zoo, the former band stand and pool as well as the Irondequoit “flats,” Shedville, the O’ Rourke Bridge and Petten St. Free, for more information visit www.lowerfalls.org click on Lower Genesee Gorge or call 585-428-6771.
Tour Charlotte Cemetery and River Street, 1-2:30 p.m. Meet at Lake Ave. and River Street, explore the historic Charlotte Cemetery, resting place of the infamous Sam Patch and other Charlotte luminaries. Walk down River St. to view homes of former Great Lakes Captains. Also tour the Art-Deco Charlotte High School and see the restored murals depicting early Rochester History.
River of Words, Poetry reading, 1-4 p.m. Center at High Falls, see Friday, 10/9 listing.
Family Skate at Genesee Valley Ice Arena, 2–3:15 p.m. 131 Elmwood Ave., Open skate 17 and under, $2, 18 and over $4.50; skate rental, $4.50. 585-428-7888.
Harbor Town Belle River Cruises; 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Authentic 150-passenger paddle wheeler tours the lower Genesee River Gorge. Departs from Charlotte by the carousel. Adults, $12; seniors, $11; children under 10, $6. 585-342-1810.
Guided Walking Tours of Historic Mount Hope Cemetery, 2 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. Each tour lasts two hours. Free. Tour the nation’s oldest municipally owned cemetery, resting place of Susan B. Anthony, Frederick Douglass among others. See Saturday, 10/10 listing.
Photo Hike/Walking Tour, 3:00–4:30 p.m. Meet at the corner of Court St. and South Ave. by the Rundel Library. A leisurely walking tour along the River banks led by City Photographer Ira Srole. Learn techniques for photographing the built environment as well as the history of the Downtown area. Free.
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