ROC The Riverway Weekend

 

23 RTR Weekend page header

 

 Join the fun OCTOBER 6-8, 2023!

Roc the Riverway Weekend is a celebration of the Genesee River and the ambitious initiative to transform the river corridor that began in 2018. From the farms lining its banks along the Genesee Valley, to its industrial heritage, the mighty Genesee is at the heart of who we are and how our community developed.  Roc the Riverway is a series of projects that 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.

This year’s Roc the Riverway Weekend will feature activities up and down the Genesee River from Lake Ontario to Genesee Valley Park. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, tours and more all focused on introducing folks to the beauty and history of our City and its waterways. The weekend will also highlight progress on the myriad of Roc the Riverway capital improvements and the efforts towards establishing a new State Park at High Falls.

To learn more about the Roc the Riverway program and it’s many transformational projects along the Genesee River, visit this page

 

 

FRIDAY, October 6

2:30 - 5 p.m.: Genesee River to Canal Lock 33 Boat Cruise. Join Corn Hill Navigation for a two- and half-hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal! While aboard you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal and how a lock works with live guided narration. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.

5:30 - 7 p.m.: Genesee River and Erie Canal Boat Cruise. Enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is a live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the Young Lion of the West as well as interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.

 

SATURDAY, October 7

8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: 34th Annual Head of the Genesee Regatta. The Head of the Genesee is part of the Roc the Riverway Weekend series of activities promoting our great city and venue for rowing.  It is one of the largest regattas in New York State west of the Hudson River hosting over 50 organizations annually. Viewing is along the footbridge over the Genesee River and along the east river bank, under the 390 Flyover Bridge accessed from Genesee Valley Park and at the Genesee Waterways Center, 149 Elmwood Avenue. Visit HEAD OF THE GENESEE | geneseerowingclub to learn more.

9-11 a.m.: Clean Up at Seth Green Park. Get outside, get active and get involved in making Rochester a greener, cleaner City! The City of Rochester’s Department of Recreation and Human Services is collaborating with the Seneca Park Zoo Society to sponsor a series of ‘park clean-up events’ along the Genesee Riverway Trail. Tools and gloves provided. Please dress for the weather and bring water to stay hydrated. Meet at the Seth Green parking lot. Visit Community Cleanup - Seth Green Park 10/7 | Seneca Park Zoo to register.

10 a.m.-12 p.m.: Sturgeon Release in the Genesee River. Join the United States Geological Survey for a Sturgeon release at Seth Green Park by Lower Falls. Learn about the near 20 years of successful sturgeon reintroduction, spray paint stenciled sturgeon awareness signage in multiple languages, be joined by “Seth” our 6-foot fiberglass sturgeon mascot, observe staff measure weight, length, girth, and tag data.  Attendees may participate in release of hatchery-reared sturgeon into the lower Genesee River.

10 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Genesee River Bike Ride with Reconnect Rochester.  Experience all the progress on ROC the Riverway projects up close and on two wheels! Meet on the High Falls Terrace and travel roughly 12 miles along the Genesee Riverway Trail and by street to explore the recent and future enhancements to the riverfront. Helmets required. Intermediate skill level as we will be biking in traffic. Registration not required.

10 a.m. - 4 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 3 p.m. Meet in the Maplewood Rose Garden Parking Lot.

10 – 11:30 a.m. Birding Boat Cruise on the Genesee River. See and hear the amazing variety of birds that make their home along the Genesee River near downtown Rochester, New York. Local expert Randi Minetor will join the crew of Corn Hill Navigation’s Riverie to lead this unique cruise for all types of birders – experienced, novice, and just curious. Participants are encouraged to bring their own binoculars, though some will be available to borrow. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.

11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.: Undertakers, Wakes, & Tears: Mourning Rituals in 19th Century America. Learn about the Victorians’ complex relationship with death, and the socially accepted, but somewhat curious, rituals and customs used to express their grief with Friends of Mount Hope Cemetery. Meet at the North Gate House: 791 Mount Hope Avenue (opposite Robinson Dr). Undertakers, Wakes, & Tears: Mourning Rituals in 19th Century America (fomh.org)

riverway12 - 3 p.m.: Family High Falls Terrace Celebration. Walk or Bike-in with the whole family to the newly renovated High Falls Terrace Park and adjoining riverfront for a fun-filled celebration of the revitalization of Rochester’s Genesee River Corridor and the impending High Falls State Park!  Enjoy spectacular views of Rochester’s High Falls while listening to the Story of Sam Patch by master storyteller Nate DiMeo.  The celebration will include musical entertainment, activities and games for kids, food and beverages at the Genesee Brew House Beer Garden, public input sessions for the State Park, displays from community groups, self- guided audio tours, and guided bike tours. Parking is available in the High Falls Terrace Garage, as well as along adjacent streets.

12:30 - 3 p.m. Genesee River to Canal Lock 33 Boat Cruise. Join Corn Hill Navigation for a two- and half-hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal! While aboard you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal and how a lock works with live guided narration. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.

1 - 2 p.m.: Historic High Falls Walking Tour. Join Dan Cody for a 1-mile walking tour of the historic High Falls/Brown's Race district. Explore one of the city's oldest areas and learn how early settlers harnessed the power of the mighty Genesee River to run the mills and factories that created The Flour City and put Rochester on the map as an American boomtown. Meet at the corner of State St. and Commercial St. Presented by the Rochester Public Library's Local History & Genealogy Division. Historic High Falls Walking Tour - MCLS Events & Programs - Monroe County Library System Home (libraryweb.org)

1 - 5 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest surviving aid to navigation lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower to see the new fourth-order Fresnel lens and a great panorama view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area. In the Keeper’s House, view the history of Lighthouses in the area, and display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s. Several new displays, one is the 1905 Dentzel Carousel.  Also added new displays featuring the 1916 Annexation of Charlotte, Charlotte High School, Port of Rochester, & Along the Genesee. Outside, take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission is $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). Open Fri., Sat., & Sun. For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.

2 p.m. High Falls Ecoloop Bike Ride with Tour Blend.  This two-mile guided bike tour takes you on a loop from High Falls Terrace Park around the Genesee River Gorge, to view both the top and bottom of High Falls from two different bridges spanning the Genesee River.  Explore some sites of Rochester's early industrial development, including Brown’s Race and Rochester Marshmallow Works, the first company in America to make and distribute marshmallows.  Helmets required.

3-6 p.m.: Guided Paddle to Corn Hill from the Genesee Waterways Center.  Join Genesee RiverWatch and the Genesee Waterways Center in celebrating ROC the Riverway Weekend with an educational paddle along the Genesee River. This all-levels paddle offers participants incredible views of our City skyline and opportunities to see the Genesee riverfront development projects up close and on the water. An adult must accompany all children under 18. No prior experience necessary.  Pre-registration required. Call 328-3960 or visit https://www.geneseewaterways.org/events-registration to register.

City residents: Single kayak: $15, Tandem kayak: $25 or Family of 4 Special -2 tandems for $40

3:30 - 5 p.m.: Genesee River and Erie Canal Boat Cruise. Enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is a live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the Young Lion of the West as well as interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester on the way back to port. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.

 

SUNDAY, October 8

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.: Autumn at the Lake. Spend a Sunday at the beach. Come enjoy the beauty of the Lake and the Port in the fall.  Take a horse drawn hayride around Ontario Beach Park, decorate and take home pumpkins (fee), ride the carousel or enjoy fresh made donuts, cider and other treats, have fun with face painting and balloon art by the Grease Paint Alley Clowns and musical entertainment by Dave Turner. This event will also feature a guided historical walking tour, which will start at the Lighthouse and include the Charlotte cemetery and River Street, tours of the historic Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse, a talk on the reintroduction of sturgeon in the Rochester Basin and more. Event presented by the City of Rochester, the Ontario Beach Park Program Committee and the Charlotte neighborhood Association.

12-2 p.m.: Charlotte Village Cemetery and River Street Tour. Meet tour guide Terry McEntee for a guided tour of the River Street and the old Village Cemetery. Visit the final resting place of 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. Hear about the homes of ship captains and others along River Street. Admire the restoration work done by the Navy Seabee Veterans of America, Island X-12, to reset and repair damaged headstones. Parking available at the Lighthouse lot behind Holy Cross Church on Lake Ave. Sponsored by the Charlotte-Genesee Lighthouse Historical Society.

12:30 - 3 p.m. Genesee River to Canal Lock 33 Boat Cruise. - Starting from the Staybridge Suites at 1000 Genesee Street, Join Corn Hill Navigation for a two- and half-hour cruise from Corn Hill Landing on the Genesee River to Lock 33 on the Erie Canal! While aboard you will learn about the historical significance of the Genesee River, the Erie Canal and how a lock works with live guided narration. Relax and experience the natural beauty of our waterways. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.

1 - 5 p.m.: Charlotte Genesee Lighthouse Tours. Tour the oldest surviving aid to navigation lighthouse on Lake Ontario (1822); climb the Octagonal Tower to see the new fourth-order Fresnel lens and a great panorama view of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area. In the Keeper’s House, view the history of Lighthouses in the area, and display of Ontario Beach Park from the 1870s to 1920s. Several new displays, one is the 1905 Dentzel Carousel.  Also added new displays featuring the 1916 Annexation of Charlotte, Charlotte High School, Port of Rochester, & Along the Genesee. Outside, take a walk through the War of 1812 International Peace Garden. Admission is $5.00 (18 years & older); $2.00 (5-17 years old), and FREE (4 and under). Open Fri., Sat., & Sun. For further information call 585-621-6179 or visit www.geneseelighthouse.org.

2-3:30 p.m.: The Old Third Ward and the Impact of the Genesee River- from Rattlesnake Hill to Today’s Urban Community. Take a guided walking tour through the Historic Corn Hill neighborhood and learn about the importance of the Genesee River to the community’s history and development. Using the Wegmans Passport to Wellness Trail as the route, you will hear past and present tales of the Underground Railroad, memories of the Clarissa Street Community, clairvoyants and the lore surrounding them, and many more.  The event is free and appropriate for the entire family. Meet at the Water Spirit sculpture on Exchange Blvd. at South Plymouth.

2-3:30 p.m.: Mount Hope Cemetery Walking Tour. This foundational tour is a 90-minute walk of approximately a mile on both paved roads and uneven terrain. This includes the graves of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass, topics of local history, horticulture, geology, architecture, monument symbolism, and more. Tickets are $12 per person at the door, free for members, SNAP recipients, and children under 16 accompanied by a paying adult. Meet at the North Gatehouse at 791 Mount Hope Ave, opposite Robinson Drive. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Public Tours: North Section (fomh.org)

3:30 – 5 p.m. Genesee River and Erie Canal Cruise. Starting from the Staybridge Suites at 1000 Genesee Street, enjoy a scenic roundtrip cruise on the Genesee River to Genesee Valley Park on the Erie Canal with Corn Hill Navigation. Included with this 90-minute voyage is a live guided narration about how the river and canal made Rochester the Young Lion of the West as well as interesting sites along the way. A highlight of this cruise will be a stunning view of downtown Rochester. Visit www.cornhillnav.org/riverie to learn more and register.

 

FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY

6 a.m. - 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. Fishing allowed from the St. Rte. 104 Bridge upstream to the lower falls on the Genesee River, from one half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset.

Self-Guided Mobile Tours: The Genesee River Alliance and Tour Blend have created many free audio-guided mobile tours along the Genesee River Trail.  You can enjoy these walking / biking tours any time, using your smartphone.  Start by downloading the free Tour Blend app or use one of the links below in any web browser:

phones

• Walk on the Old Erie Canal:  https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/15390
• Downtown Riverfront Tour: 
https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2493
• High Falls Historic District:  
https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/7994
• Lower Falls and Maplewood Park: 
https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2495
• Lower Genesee and Seneca Park: 
https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2475
• Charlotte and the Port of Rochester: 
https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2489
• Genesee River South Loop:  https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2478

BOATING TOURS Enjoy these free audio-guided tours as you paddle or motor up the Genesee River, starting from the Port of Rochester Boat Launch or the Petten Street Boat Launch:
• Genesee River Boating Tour: 
https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2479
• Sturgeon Story: 
https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/7993

High Falls Ecoloop Reimagined Tour - While the Pont de Rennes pedestrian bridge at High Falls is undergoing an upgrade, use the newly updated High Falls Ecoloop tour to walk or bike between High Falls Terrace Park and the High Falls Historic District. Follow the map and you will hear geo-located audio stories at 22 different locations along the route. The tour features stories describing Rochester's early industrial development, including Brown’s Race and Rochester Marshmallow Works, the first company in America to make and distribute marshmallows. See plans for the High Falls State Park in the Genesee River Gorge below you, as you stand on the Smith Street Bridge.  Hear about recycling in Rochester more than a century ago, and learn about the importance of biodiversity and pollinators today. To begin, download the Tour Blend app, or use this link in any web browser: https://tourblend.stqry.app/1/tour/2473

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