The first Festival I ever attended in Bristol Borough was the Delaware Canal Festival, held each June. The Canal Festival takes place at picturesque Lagoon Park, with rolling green grass and a rotunda in one direction, views of the Delaware Canal of course, and the majestic Grundy Clock Tower in the background.
The first year I went, I couldn't believe how many people attended, Bristol residents and non-residents alike. The next year even people more attended! We sat on the lawn and watched families and local businesses paddle around the lagoon in their uniquely decorated boats. A few of the participants stood on paddle boards. Some were joined by a canine companion.
School's out, and this free event is always a great way to kick off the summer season!
If you'd like to see a Decorated Boat Parade, a Cardboard Boat Float Contest, judge a Rubber Duck Contest or even decorate one, come on down to Canal Festival this Friday night!
Bristol's Canal Festival will be held Friday, June 17th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm in Lagoon Park behind the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Prospect Street in historic Bristol Borough.
Did I mention there will be a free concert and Food Trucks?
Pat Mulhern, co-owner of Driftwood Water Adventures at Falls Township Park graciously loans kayaks and tandem kayaks each year to area residents who would like to decorate them and participate in the event.
The 1911 Grundy Clock Tower at sunset after the festival.
This annual event that kicks off the summer season is sponsored by Friends of The Delaware Canal, The Borough of Bristol, and Historic Bristol Borough: Raising The Bar.
"Be like a duck. Calm on the surface, but always paddling like the dickens underneath."
~Michael Caine
