Roc the Riverway, October 4 - 6, 2019 The Genesee River is the lifeblood of the Greater Rochester Region. From the abundant farms of the Genesee Valley to the industrial heritage of the City, the Genesee River has defined who we are and how our community developed.
In 2018 the City along with our partners at the State of New York, launched an ambitious 500 Million dollar initiative to truly release the full potential of our river. Roc the River Way is a series of projects which celebrate the past and build for the future. They will transform this former industrial waterway into a community recreational corridor that provides opportunities for all to interact with water. Celebrate this transformation with us! Come out, experience a weekend of activities and learn more about our community’s vision for the future.
2019 Schedule:
Friday, October 4
6 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Fall Salmon Run
Daily until November for anglers and spectators. Seth Green Dr. and Norton St. off St. Paul Blvd. This section of the Genesee River offers some of the most exciting fishing in New York State- right in the city.
10 a.m.: Welcome Back 2,000 Sturgeon into the Genesee
Join in a celebration releasing 2,000 hatchery-reared baby
sturgeon into the Genesee River at the City boat launch at the Port of
Rochester. Attendees will have an up close and personal experience
with NYDEC, USGS and USFWS fish biologists as they reintroduce the sturgeon,
previously extinct in the river, back into a revitalized Genesee. These 2,000
sturgeon will join 6,000 other thriving sturgeon reintroduced in the Genesee
since 2003.
1 - 5 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest active surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower for great views of Lake Ontario, explore the Keeper’s House, see the new 4th Order Fresnel Lens, view the display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s, and take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.
3-7 p.m.: Kodak Tower Commons Tour. Featuring Kodak’s Corporate Headquarters in the High Falls Historical District, visit the first two floors and view exhibits capturing the essence of the iconic one million square foot tower. Visitors can view two short films in the Little Theater on the 1st floor and explore the Executive Board Room, the President’s Room and the Experience Kodak Room.
5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Insider Walk to High Falls
Join Genesee River Alliance Coordinator, Helen Dumas and Ken Parulski of Tour Blend, for a tour of the High Falls starting from the Pont de Rennes Bridge at Platt Street and Brown’s Race. From there, the tour will continue down the access road to where the former RG&E BeeBee Station was located with the tour ending close to the base of High Falls on the Genesee River. Along the way, learn about the industrial and cultural heritage of this vibrant, sustainable live and work eco-district. Free. Recommended for 12 and up. Appropriate footwear required (no open toed shoes, heels or flip flops) for safety reasons.
Limited on- street metered parking or park at High Falls Garage.
5:30-7 p.m.: Buskers on the Bridge. Corner of Platt St. and Brown’s Race. A scenic spot to check out amazing local musicians and performers. Donations accepted.
6-8 p.m.: Sturgeon Excursion on the Harbor Town Belle. Celebrate the renewed health of the Genesee River with Dr. Jeff Wyatt, sturgeon scientist from Seneca Park Zoo & University of Rochester. Passengers will learn about the successful reintroduction of 7,000 lake sturgeon back to the Genesee River over the past 16 years. We will have an aquarium of baby sturgeon and a 6 foot fiberglass replica, named Seth Green, on board to share your family’s excursion up the scenic Lower Genesee River. Departures from Voyager Boat Sales at the end of Marina Dr., Irondequoit. Tickets are $18.00 for adults, and $10.00 for youth under 10 years. Call (585) 342-1810.
7:00-8:30 p.m.: Renew Your Vows on the Banks of the Genesee. Rekindle the romance on the Pont de Rennes Bridge with the High Falls as a dramatic backdrop. Couples, please arrive at the Platt St. entrance to the bridge no later than 6:50 p.m. No registration required. Enjoy a free reception following the event.
Saturday, October 5
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: 30th Annual Head of the Genesee Regatta. At the Genesee Waterways Center at 149 Elmwood Avenue. The two-day event is one of New York State’s premier rowing regattas and is expected to draw more than 350 racing entries. Viewing on the foot bridge over the Genesee River and along the east river bank, as well as under the 390 Flyover Bridge, accessed from Genesee Valley Park.
9-11:30 a.m.: Glide and Ride Adventure. Attention cyclists and adventure seekers! Stow your bike on the Sam Patch at Schoen Place in Pittsford and enjoy a two-and-a-half hour cruise through two locks on the Erie Canal, and under the historic Olmstead Bridges in Genesee Valley Park, heading north up the Genesee River docking at Brooks Landing (1000 Genesee Street, behind Staybridge Suites and across the River from the University of Rochester's River Campus). While you're in town, enjoy the ROC the Riverway events along the river (https://cityofrochester.gov/roctheriverwayweekend/), then pedal back to Pittsford along the Genesee River and Erie Canal trails to Schoen Place, a flat ride of approximately 10 miles. Tickets: $20.00 per person, $10.00 children age 12 and under. For more information, please visit www.sampatch.org, or call 585.662.5748.
9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Guided Paddle Along the Genesee from Seth Green Island. Join the City of Rochester for an enjoyable and educational row along the Genesee River. Paddle trip is $20.00 per adult; $10.00 for kids under 18. Canoes and Kayaks available through the Genesee Waterways Center. Maximum two adults per canoe. All children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Pre-registration required. Call 328-3960 to register. Meet in the Petten St. parking lot for shuttle to Seth Green.
9 a.m.-3 p.m.: Kodak Visitor Center. Offering a portal through which to view the far-reaching impact of the company, exhibits celebrate Kodak’s transformative history while embracing the excitement of its future. It’s a welcoming home for those who have been a part of Kodak history. Enjoy the café, retail store, and new exhibit gallery featuring different photography shows throughout the year.
10:00-11:00 a.m.: ‘Nathaniel Rochester’s Battle to Create a City’ Walking Tour. Join Corn Hill historian Jim DeVinney for a walking tour that highlights the story of men who challenged Nathaniel Rochester’s goal of creating a city in the wilderness and the dramatic events that determined the outcome. This tour starts at Corn Hill Landing by the Water Spirits Sculpture where S. Plymouth meets Exchange St.
10 a.m. - 12 p.m.: Roc the Riverway Guided Bike Ride. PowerPoint presentations not your thing? Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Meet at the Pont de Rennes Bridge (at Platt Street) and travel along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by street to explore the recent the the future enhancements to the riverfront. The tour will feature projects in High Falls, Downtown, and in the South River Corridor. Approximately 6-mile ride with stops on flat terrain, city streets and paved trails. Helmets required.
10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Sturgeon Release in the Genesee River. Join the Seneca Park Zoo Society’s Youth Urban Ecologists and the United States Geological Survey for a Sturgeon release at Seth Green Park by Lower Falls. Learn about the 16 years of successful sturgeon reintroduction, spray paint stenciled sturgeon awareness signage in multiple languages, be joined by “Seth” our 6 foot fiberglass sturgeon mascot and participate (hands on) in recording weight/length/girth and tag data and releasing 30 hatchery reared baby sturgeon into the lower Genesee River.
10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Tours of the Lower Falls and Gorge. Join docents from the Maplewood Neighborhood Association and learn about the five bridges over the gorge, the rivalry between Carthage and Rochester and the river’s transformation from a place of industry to recreation. Tours are about 45 minutes long with the last tour starting around 1 p.m.
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Roads Less Traveled By – A Mount Hope Cemetery Theme Tour. Meet 19th century Rochesterians – pivotal leaders, entrepreneurs and heroes – in sections not often visited on other Mount Hope Cemetery tours. Tours are $10 per person, free for members, SNAP recipients, and children under 16 who are accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Avenue, opposite Robinson Drive. Tour guide is Joanne Mitchell.
11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Broad Street Bridge. Closed to car traffic from Exchange St. to South Ave., enjoy fun for the whole family with a pop-up skate park, food trucks, and street performers. Attendees can learn about the City’s ambitious plans to improve our River’s downtown waterfront, as well as a chance to share your own vision through a community chalk art installation led by artist Chloe Smith.
Roc City Skate Park Pop-Up Event: Join the City of Rochester and Friends of the Roc City Skate Park for a demonstration and pop-up skate park event on the Broad Street Bridge.
[ROC City Skate Park will boast multiple features such as a main skate promenade, mini-ramps and ledges and competition bowls. It will also have opportunities for public art, music performances and spectator seating. Located alongside the existing Genesee Riverway Trail and with easy access from South Avenue, the skate park will attract droves of wheeled enthusiasts and spectators. It will capitalize on land that is otherwise unbuildable, situated under the interstate bridge and associated off ramps. This benefits skate park users as there will be elements that enjoy share and shelter while other elements will be open air. The skate park will provide a much needed boost of activity on the edge of downtown and in the South River Corridor. As was pointed out repeatedly during the ROC the Riverway public process, skateboarding has an emerging reputation of breaking down racial and socio-economic barriers in a way unlike any other sport. ]
Community Chalk Art Installation: Join local artist Chloe Smith in a community discussion around the future of the Genesee River, and our relationships to it. Attendees will have a chance to share their vision and ideas for positive change, and then be guided in expressing those visions through installing a group chalk art mural on the Broad Street Bridge.
Buskers on the Bridge: All along the Broad Street Bridge, scenic spot to check out amazing local musicians and performers. Donations accepted.
Roc the Riverway Display: Come learn about the many improvement projects happening along the Genesee, such as upgrades to the Blue Cross arena, High Falls Terrace Park, Charles Carroll Plaza and Sister Cities Bridge and the much anticipated opening of the ROC City Skate Park.
12-3 p.m.:Explore the Genesee River Boat Tours. Climb aboard Sam Patch for a brief guided tour of the Genesee River and bring your camera to capture a postcard view of the downtown Rochester skyline. Cruises board at Brooks Landing, 1000 Genesee Street, behind Staybridge Suites and just across the River from the University of Rochester's River Campus. Tours leave every hour on the hour from 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. $10 adults, $5 children 12 and under. Free parking.
1-2 p.m.: Charlotte Village Cemetery Tour. Meet tour guides Mike Parker and Marie Poinan on River St. for a guided tour of the old Village Cemetery. This is the final resting place of the daredevil Sam Patch, Charlotte’s first settler, a lighthouse keeper, the first doctor, its Custom Collector and a Navy veteran of the War of 1812. Admire the restoration work done by the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-12, to reset and repair damaged headstones. Parking on River St. Sponsored by the Charlotte Community Development Corporation and the Charlotte High School Archivist.
2-3:30 p.m.: Guided Walk in Turning Point Park. Join retired City of Rochester Senior Landscape Architect and Olmsted Parks Alliance Chairwoman JoAnn Beck for a tour highlighting the forests, overlooks, and award-winning boardwalk along the Genesee. Meet at the Turning Point Park parking lot at the end of Boxart Street.
1 - 5 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest active surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower for great views of Lake Ontario, explore the Keeper’s House, see the new 4th Order Fresnel Lens, view the display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s, and take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.
4-5:30 p.m.: Full River/Erie Canal Boat Tour. Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Genesee River and along the Erie Canal with live narration detailing Rochester's history and the role the waterways played in the development of the City. Registration required. For more information visit: www.sampatch.org/events/.
5-7 p.m.: Family Skate at Genesee Valley Ice Rink. 131 Elmwood Ave. Skate rental, $3. For more information, call 585-428-7888.
6-8 p.m.: Live Music Sunset Cruise on the Genesee River. Come aboard the Sam Patch and enjoy the groovy tunes from members of local favorite -Backyard Chemistry - while basking in the sunset on the glorious Genesee River. Sip your favorite beverage as you experience a scenic river cruise. Registration required. For more information visit: www.sampatch.org/events/
6-9:30 p.m.: Grand Torch Light Tours at Mount Hope Cemetery. Groups go out every 15 minutes. Guides will take you to unique stops and share stories from Rochester's history, by moonlight and torchlight. $15 Advance Tickets on sale at all Wegmans beginning September 16. NOTE: You must pick a date and start time when you purchase your ticket. Tickets are $20 at the door. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave. Note: No parking in the cemetery, parking available on Robinson Drive or on neighborhood streets.
Sunday, October 6
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: 30th Annual Head of the Genesee Regatta. Features a rowing clinic and mini-food truck rodeo in Genesee Valley Park near the Roundhouse pavilion on Moore Road. Ergs will be available for those interested in learning to row. Viewing on the foot bridge over the Genesee River and along the east river bank, as well as under the 390 Flyover Bridge, accessed from Genesee Valley Park.
8:30-11 a.m.: Glide and Ride Adventure. Put your bike on the Sam Patch boat at Schoen Place and enjoy a 2.5 hour cruise that travels through 2 locks on the Erie Canal, all the way up the Genesee to Corn Hill Landing. Enjoy food and events along the river, then hop on your bike for a 10 mile ride back along the Genesee River and Erie Canal Trails. Tickets: $25 per person, $12 children 12 and under. Registration required. For more information visit: www.sampatch.org/events/.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Celebrate the Port of Rochester. Enjoy the fall views of the marina and enjoy a day of family friendly fun including: performances by CirqOvation’s amazing acrobats and aerial performers, (free shows at 1, 2 and 3 pm), live music from the Daryl Parker Trio, the U.S. Coast Guard’s latest ships and equipment on display, fire equipment, hayrides, wood carving demonstrations, free pumpkin decorating, Rec On The Move, and wine and craft brew tasting in a large outdoor tent. Charlotte history books and merchandise will be available for purchase. Enjoy the Port of Rochester’s numerous eateries. Sponsored by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee. Events will take place at Ontario Beach Park and inside/around the Port of Rochester Terminal.
1-3 p.m.: Guided Bike Ride from Seneca Park to the Port of Rochester. This scenic tour with spectacular views of the river gorge will take riders along the Genesee Riverway Trail, through Turning Point Park and under the O’Rorke Bridge. This is a 12-mile ride on a paved trail with a few moderate hills. Helmets required. Meet at Seneca Park Zoo parking lot.
1 p.m-3:45 p.m. Family Skate at Genesee Valley Ice Rink. 131 Elmwood Avenue. Skate rental, $3. For more information, call 585-428-7888.
1 - 5 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest active surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower for great views of Lake Ontario, explore the Keeper’s House, see the new 4th Order Fresnel Lens, view the display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s, and take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.
2-4 p.m.: Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour. This overview tour is a two-hour walk of approximately one mile. It includes the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Tickets are $10 per person at the door, free for members, SNAP recipients, and children under 16 who are accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive. Tour guide is Chris Grooms.
3-4 p.m.: ‘Nathaniel Rochester’s Battle to Create a City’ Walking Tour. Join Corn Hill historian Jim DeVinney for a walking tour that highlights the story of men who challenged Nathaniel Rochester’s goal of creating a city in the wilderness and the dramatic events that determined the outcome. This tour starts at Corn Hill Landing by the Water Spirits Sculpture where S. Plymouth meets Exchange St
Sunday, October 6
8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.: 30th Annual Head of the Genesee Regatta. Features a rowing clinic and mini-food truck rodeo in Genesee Valley Park near the Roundhouse pavilion on Moore Road. Ergs will be available for those interested in learning to row. Viewing on the foot bridge over the Genesee River and along the east river bank, as well as under the 390 Flyover Bridge, accessed from Genesee Valley Park.
8:30-11 a.m.: Glide and Ride Adventure. Attention cyclists and adventure seekers! Load your bike onto the Sam Patch at Brooks Landing (behind Staybridge Suites at 1000 Genesee Street), enjoy a two-hour cruise to Schoen Place in Pittsford, down the Genesee River and through two locks on the Erie Canal. Explore Schoen Place (brunch anyone?) and at your leisure ride your bike back to Brooks Landing, an enjoyable 10-mile ride along the flat terrain of the Canal and River trails. Tickets: $20.00 per person, $10.00 children age 12 and under. For more information, please visit www.sampatch.org, or call 585.662.5748. Free parking at Brooks Landing.
11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Celebrate the Port of Rochester. Enjoy the fall views of the marina and enjoy a day of family friendly fun including: performances by CirqOvation’s amazing acrobats and aerial performers, (free shows at 1, 2 and 3 pm), live music from the Daryl Parker Trio, the U.S. Coast Guard’s latest ships and equipment on display, fire equipment, hayrides, wood carving demonstrations, free pumpkin decorating, Rec On The Move, and wine and craft brew tasting in a large outdoor tent. Charlotte history books and merchandise will be available for purchase. Enjoy the Port of Rochester’s numerous eateries. Sponsored by the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee. Events will take place at Ontario Beach Park and inside/around the Port of Rochester Terminal.
1-3 p.m.: Guided Bike Ride from Seneca Park to the Port of Rochester. This scenic tour with spectacular views of the river gorge will take riders along the Genesee Riverway Trail, through Turning Point Park and under the O’Rorke Bridge. This is a 12-mile ride on a paved trail with a few moderate hills. Helmets required. Meet at Seneca Park Zoo parking lot.
1 p.m-3:45 p.m. Family Skate at Genesee Valley Ice Rink. 131 Elmwood Avenue. Skate rental, $3. For more information, call 585-428-7888.
1 - 5 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest active surviving lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower for great views of Lake Ontario, explore the Keeper’s House, see the new 4th Order Fresnel Lens, view the display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s, and take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org .
2-4 p.m.: Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour. This overview tour is a two-hour walk of approximately one mile. It includes the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass. Tickets are $10 per person at the door, free for members, SNAP recipients, and children under 16 who are accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive. Tour guide is Chris Grooms.
3-4 p.m.: ‘Nathaniel Rochester’s Battle to Create a City’ Walking Tour. Join Corn Hill historian Jim DeVinney for a walking tour that highlights the story of men who challenged Nathaniel Rochester’s goal of creating a city in the wilderness and the dramatic events that determined the outcome. This tour starts at Corn Hill Landing by the Water Spirits Sculpture where S. Plymouth meets Exchange St
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