The 44th Annual Spencerport Canal Days Festival took place on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. The event featured local vendors, live music and and activities for guests of all ages.
Over 90 vendors participated in the festival. Arts and crafts exhibitors displayed their work throughout Spencerport Fireman's Field and South Union Street. Of these exhibitors, three won awards:
- Best in Show Winner: Sarah Alward, Bella Bean Pet Accessories
- First Runner-Up: Laura Chilson, The Local Flora
- Second Runner-Up: Gail F. Johnson, Gail's Art Painting Pastels
Attendees had the chance to buy tickets to participate in the annual Canaligator Race, entering "canaligators," or mini rubber alligators, in a race in the Erie Canal. Festival-goers with the first 18 and last 19 canaligators to cross the finish line had the opportunity to win prizes.
The first prize was a $500 gift card to Tops Friendly Market in Spencerport, and other
prizes included tickets to the Strong National Museum of Play and tickets to a Rochester Americans home game. The proceeds from the race tickets will be donated to organizations and programs in the Spencerport community.
Festival guests could sign up for 90-minute canal cruises from Rochester by Water and listen to a variety of local bands throughout the weekend.
Families could work on arts and crafts in the Spencerport Rotary Children's Tent, while adults could go to the Canal Days Tasting Tent, which featured local wineries and breweries.
For information about next year's Spencerport Canal Days Festival, contact spencerportcanaldays35@gmail.com.
Erin Jones is a Democrat and Chronicle intern covering food and retail. You can reach her on Instagram or email her at ejones@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Spencerport Canal Days Festival 2026: Photos, winners, events and highlights
