The Sept. 21 event, running from Noon to 5:00 p.m. at Canalside, is also in conjunction with the Erie Canal Bicentennial Summer Sendoff. During the event, People Inc. will host an interactive mural project featuring a bold design of the Seneca Chief, a boat historically known for making the maiden voyage along the Erie Canal, as a large “paint by number” canvas, with the public invited to help bring it to life throughout the day by painting a section of the mural. 

The design of the painting was created by artist and People Inc. program manager Justin Leis. On Sept. 24, the Seneca Chief will embark on the Bicentennial Voyage from Buffalo to New York Harbor, commemorating Gov. DeWitt Clinton’s 1825 inaugural journey. 

Adding some musicality to the event, People Inc.’s Blue Ink Butterfly will take the stage from 2 to 2:30 p.m., performing songs for the event’s attendees. Under the direction of Matthew Knott, People Inc. direct support professional, Blue Ink Butterfly is a recently launched percussion group formed through People Inc.’s Young Adult Life Transitions (YALT) Program in Lockport.

The kickoff event at Canalside is open to the public and marks the start of a week-long international gathering of canal enthusiasts to share best practices related to economic and community development, waterway management, tourism and historic preservation. People Inc. President and CEO, Anne McCaffrey, serves as co-chair of this year’s conference.

“Being part of the World Canals Conference kickoff celebration in our own community is so important because it allows us to highlight accessibility along the canal, not just through words, but through experiences,” said Beth Duncan, director of Day and Employment Services at People Inc. “With music filling the air and public art inviting everyone to engage, we’re showing that the canal is a space where all people can gather, celebrate, and feel connected.”

The Summer Sendoff event is free and open to the public. A full lineup of events, including tours, music, and vendors, can be found here.