City of Rochester
News Release
Mayor Richards Kicks Off River Romance Weekend With Over 40 Activities to Celebrate the Genesee River - City to Cut Ribbon on Heritage Trail; Feature Online Map
(Friday, Oct. 5, 2012) — Mayor Thomas S. Richards, City Commissioners Luis Burgos, Recreation and Youth Services and Paul Holahan, Environmental Services, today announced over 40 activities for Rochester River Romance, the region’s most popular fall festival. With its theme “Celebrating our Genesee River Heritage,” this weekend-long festival will highlight the historical and environmental significance of the Genesee River to the Rochester area.
“River Romance focuses on the amazing potential of our natural resources, as well as their importance to the development of our city,” said Mayor Richards, “We should never underestimate the value of these assets to the quality of our lives and be ever-vigilant to sustain them for future generations.”
On the full agenda, festival-goers will find many additional walking tours and other activities such as haunted hayrides into the gorge, a regatta, lighthouse tours and even a free opportunity to renew their wedding vows from the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge overlooking High Falls.
“River Romance activities take advantage of the beauty of Rochester’s natural parkland and water resources and its nationally-acclaimed trails — from hiking to biking, paddling to sculling, the event promises a wide range of fun,” said Jim Farr, Assistant Director of Recreation and coordinator for the festival.
In addition, the City celebrated the completion of the Rochester Heritage Trail with a ribbon-cutting and the display of a map for the trail (www.cityofrochester.gov/heritagetrail). “Many of the important historical milestones of the city of Rochester are linked to the development of our water resources, such as the Erie Canal,” said Commissioner Holahan, “This self-guided urban path with markers and signage indicating locations of historical significance within the city center will become an annual complement to River Romance and other city festivities.”
River Romance, a mainstay of Rochester’s fall season, is sponsored by the City of Rochester, MVP Health Care, City Newspaper and numerous other city supporters.
A full schedule of River Romance activities is listed at www.cityofrochester.gov/riverromance.
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News Media: For more information, contact Jim Farr, Assistant Director of Recreation, 428-6866.