Village of Pittsford Bulletin — May 15, 2026

The Short Version

Rochester by Water kicks off its 36th Erie Canal season today with a Blessing of the Fleet ceremony at Schoen Place from 4:00–4:30 PM, featuring the newly renovated Sam Patch.
The organization expects to carry more than 25,000 passengers on over a thousand narrated cruises this summer.
Canal path Walk/Bike stencils are being repainted between State St Bridge and Main St Bridge — cyclists should dismount or use the roadway through the work zone.
Schoen Place crosswalk and bike lane markings will be repainted within the next several weeks once the new road surface cures.
The E Pluribus Unum Community Picnic is scheduled for Sunday, June 28, from noon to 2:00 PM.
Residents who have not yet registered for the Village text alert system can sign up at villageofpittsfordny.gov or call 585-586-4332.

Mayor Alysa S. Plummer's latest bulletin opens the 2026 Erie Canal season, updates residents on ongoing streetscape work at Schoen Place and along the canal path, and announces the summer's first major community gathering. Here's everything from the Village office this week.

The following is the bulletin as issued by the Office of Mayor Alysa S. Plummer, Village of Pittsford, May 15, 2026.

Blessing of the Fleet — Erie Canal Season Opening

Today marks the opening of the 2026 Erie Canal Season! Join Rochester by Water for a [Blessing of the Fleet](/blessing-of-the-fleet) today, in Pittsford, as they kick off their 36th season and showcase the newly renovated Sam Patch!

The event, featuring both vessels, the Sam Patch & Riverie, will take place at Schoen Place, Pittsford, NY from 4:00–4:30 PM.

This time-honored maritime tradition marks the official start of the boating season with a ceremonial blessing of vessels to ensure safety and smooth travels. The public is invited to gather along the shore at Schoen Place to celebrate the beginning of another exciting canal season.

This summer, Rochester by Water (formerly Corn Hill Navigation) has scheduled more than a thousand narrated cruises and expects to serve more than 25,000 passengers!

As we look ahead to celebrating America's 250th Anniversary this summer, let's not forget the incredible role the Erie Canal played in shaping our region and our country.

Canal Path Paintwork

Crews have started the process to re-paint the canal path "Walk Bike" stencils. The process involves: Painting with a black base layer, followed by the yellow stencils; work is weather-dependent and schedule-dependent.

Residents can expect minor pathway disruptions while work is in progress. We ask that all pathway visitors please avoid walking through freshly painted areas and do not move or adjust our work zone cones.

All bikers should dismount and walk between State St Bridge and Main St Bridge or exit the pathway and use the roadway instead.

Schoen Place Paintwork

Once the new road surface has cured, and weather allows, crews will repaint crosswalks and bike lane stencils. This work will be done within the next several weeks.

E Pluribus Unum Community Picnic

[E Pluribus Unum Community Picnic](/events/e-pluribus-unum-community-picnic-at-spiegel-center) Sunday, June 28 from 12noon to 2:00pm.

Village Text Alert System

Residents must register to receive alerts, which may include emergency advisories, service updates, and other urgent community notices. More information and step-by-step instructions to sign up are available here: [Alert System Sign Up](/village-of-pittsford-bulletin-may-8-2026) www.villageofpittsfordny.gov 585-586-4332

Stay Connected

The Village of Pittsford keeps residents informed through its text alert system — but only if you're signed up. If you haven't registered yet, now is a good time. Emergencies and service updates don't wait for a convenient moment. What would it mean to your household to have that information arrive the moment the Village sends it?

For questions or more information, contact the Village office at 585-586-4332 or visit villageofpittsfordny.gov.

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