By Bill Wolcott
Niagara Gazette
LOCKPORT —
Paul “Buddy” Kirby, a native of Lockport who grew up in North Carolina, returned home this weekend to attend a memorial service for his mother who died in January.
Kirby came with his family and visited the Erie Canal Discovery Center on Monday where they learned about the “Walk the Canal Villages” program which is sponsored by the Western Erie Canal Alliance.
Nine relatives from North Carolina made the 4th of July journey for the memorial service.
At the Discovery Center, the North Carolina visitors also got a look at the bright Walk the Canal backpacks that come in yellow, pink, green and orange. The pack, which costs $8.50, contains an activity book for kids and has a coloring book and crayons. There are coupons from restaurants, Niagara USA tour book, tourist brochures from the Lockport Cave, Kenan Center and wineries.
The walking tour map starts at the Discovery Center and there are 11 stops. Visitors can learn the history of the stops and check their steps with a pedometer.
“It’s a healthy walking tour,” said Heather Peck, the program manager for Lockport Main Street. Lockport was the first community chosen for the tourism marketing program highlighting the features and health advantages of walking the towpaths of the western counties.
The pilot program was created by the Western Erie Canal Alliance which represents, Erie, Wayne, Monroe, Orleans and Niagara Counties. Walk Canal Villages logo won the SIA Bronze Award in marketing from the Summit International Awards Association.
The Walk the Canal plans to add Geocaching to its program with a ceremony on July 17 at city hall. Geocaching is a high-tech treasure hunting game for visitors equipped with GPS devices. Visitors will try to locate hidden containers and then share their experiences online.
“It’s a fun thing for families to do,” Peck said. “It’s an added component to the walking tour. We hope to replicate program in other villages and cities.”
