Canal Fest of the Tonawandas — Attraction in City of North Tonawanda

If you can stand it, don't pay for parking. You can almost always find a spot on a side road. Be careful parking in businesses, Burger King tows your car away, and some others will yell at you.

UPDATED 2017: Disappointed. It seems like every year it gets worse and worse. Attendance at the parade was good, but before and after walking around the event it was abysmal. There was nobody there, nothing to do, and it gets smaller and smaller every year.

It's so sad to see Canal Fest fall into obscurity. I place the blame on whomever is in charge of it. It shows that they obviously don't have much "new blood" within the organization. I'm guessing you have to be a current resident to apply else I would apply rather than trolling online. But somebody needs to say this.

I would start with the website. Please someone redo that same god-awful website they slap lipstick on but somehow seems to get worse year after year. I do websites, I would do one at a discount just to give the event some sophistication. The marketing for the whole event is pitiful and downright uninviting. No wonder there are no youths walking around.

Traditional events like the tug-of-war and the duck races aren't advertised at all, only yearly regulars even know about them. Why are main events held at 8am on a workday? It just makes no sense.

Walking around, food is the only thing to do. I will say there was a good variety of vendors this year, but prices were jacked for food and the rides. When there are more overpriced carnival games than rides there is definitely a problem. This is North Tonawanda, and you're telling me they couldn't get a Merry-Go-Round? Way to forget the very traditions this event is supposed to celebrate. The core problem; they aren't properly intertwining tradition with a fun event.

I used to look forward to Canal Fest even more than the Erie County Fair and last year (2016) was one of the better years of late, but this year went way downhill. This is literally the biggest event in either city all year and it seems like the "celebration" is completely blasée and nobody could care less. I want to take my kids to Canal Fest someday but I worry it won't even be...

The fireworks were wonderful! Too bad the rest of the fest was lame and expensive, just not like it used to be. It has shrunk to the bare minimum, but the prices didn't... they were ridiculous! It's hard to find french fries... that's crazy.. not a lot of private food available!! The parade used to be the main event..not anymore. And my gosh, throwing candy to the kids... one piece here and there. Watching the disappointment on little children's faces..it make me sad, and it was heartbreaking to watch.. come on, you have TONS of candy to throw....Throw it!!! How about a firetruck full of stuffed animals to pass out. Ask people to donate!! ! And hand out freezy pops..it hot and there inexpensive.. how about more girls and boys dressed up as characters.. kids would love that. The parade used to last almost 2hrs..this past parade was 40 minutes and nothing but firetrucks and news people.. like I said lame! $20 for a sword $16 for a blooming onion and $17 for a turkey leg.. these prices are from the company that brings in the rides.. This is Tonawanda, not a rich area.. A meeting with this company beforehand would be beneficial.. rides are $30 and on Saturday $35.. how do you expect a family with a couple of children to pay this?? How about a couple of days of FREE ride day!! Its disgusting to me that they are able to charge that amount. I'm sure they make TONS of money!! Please canal fest organization can you check into making this parade outstanding again!! Get ideas from other areas. Even out of state if that would...

A Disappointing Decline for a Longtime Tradition

I’ve gone to Canal Fest my entire life as a lifelong resident of North Tonawanda, and it’s honestly depressing to see how much it’s changed and not for the better. This year’s fest (2025) felt like the least effort I’ve ever seen put into it. I know Tonawanda didn’t want to invest as much money this time around, and unfortunately, it really showed.

So much is missing; no animals, fewer games, fewer food vendors, and barely any events or the events are not as long or well planned as prior. The ride area was especially disappointing now that Tonawanda isn’t hosting much on their side of the canal. It felt cramped, uneven, and just lacked the energy and excitement it used to have.

Canal Fest used to be something the whole community looked forward to; a vibrant, shared tradition. Now it feels stripped down and overpriced for what little is offered. I really hope future years bring back the heart and effort that...