The New York State Canal Corporation, in conjunction with Parks and Trails New York (PTNY), a statewide non-profit organization, and the Canalway Trails Association New York (CTANY), is organizing the fifth annual statewide Canalway Trail Celebration on National Trails Day, Saturday, June 7, 2008. The theme for this year’s National Trails Day and the Canalway Trail Celebration is "Join Us on the Trail".

As part of the celebration, roughly 40 events and festivities are planned to take place throughout the region to recognize the growing prominence of the Erie Canalway Corridor as a world-class recreationway and tourist destination for visitors and residents.  Events range from family bike rides and boat tours to interpretive history walks, arts and crafts festivals. With more than 260 miles of developed trail, the Erie Canalway Trail is fast becoming one of the nation’s premier cycling and multi-use trail destinations.  

Carmella R. Mantello, Director of the New York State Canal Corporation said, "With an exciting schedule of events taking place this weekend, the Canalway Trail Celebration is sure to attract countless visitors to canal communities across the state. The Canalway Trail offers exciting recreational opportunities for New York residents, as well as visitors to the Canal System, and is helping to foster tourism and economic revitalization throughout the Canal Corridor. The Canal Corporation is pleased to work with its partners, local canal communities and volunteers to promote and celebrate the Canalway Trail."

Robin Dropkin, Executive Director of Parks & Trails New York, said, "The continued growth of the Canalway Trail Celebration reflects the increasing recognition of and enthusiasm for the many benefits that the Canalway Trail brings to communities."

Carol Schmelz, President of the Canalway Trail Association New York, said, "It's exciting to see so many communities eager to participate. We will have a wide range of events occurring on the same day across the entire Canalway Trail system. There will truly be something for everyone along the Canalway Trail."