Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon Surpasses Goal

Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon Surpasses Goal With More Than 240 Participants for Erie Canal Bicentennial Celebration

FONDA, N.Y. – Montgomery County’s 2025 Kayak-a-Thon will hit the water on Saturday, Aug. 23, with more than 240 participants — including paddlers from across New York state and several from out of state — surpassing the event’s ambitious goal of 200 attendees in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Erie Canal.

While registration is closed, the public is encouraged to take part by cheering on paddlers at the launch in Fonda between 9:30 and 10 a.m., or as they pass through Lock 12 in Tribes Hill between approximately 11:30 and 12:30 p.m.

The event showcases a scenic portion of the Mohawk River and celebrates the region’s historic connection to the canal.

“The Kayak-a-Thon is a perfect example of how tourism drives opportunity for our communities,” County Executive Pete Vroman said. “We are happy to welcome so many people into our county, and we hope this paddle encourages them to return and explore more of what Montgomery County has to offer.”

“The 200th Anniversary of the Canal is a reminder of how waterways have always connected people, commerce and communities,” Fonda Mayor Bill Peeler said. “Hosting the Kayak-a-Thon here in Fonda celebrates both our history and the growing opportunities for outdoor recreation and tourism along the canal today.”

Following the paddle, Montgomery County has partnered with the City of Amsterdam to host the Bicentennial Bash at Riverlink Park, with activities scheduled from 3 to 9 p.m. The free, family-friendly celebration on the waterfront will feature food, bounce houses, face painting, Stewart’s Ice Cream, a cake cutting, a photo booth, a waterski show, fireworks and a headline performance by Gridley Paige’s AM Gold Yacht Party: Experience on the River. Eisenadler Brauhaus, Second Act Spirits and Erie Canal Distillers will also be on site, along with Megabites Events and Catering.

“The City of Amsterdam is honored to host the Montgomery County Bicentennial Bash. I can think of at least 200 great reasons to join us — and I hope you do,” Amsterdam Mayor Michael Cinquanti said.

“We are thrilled to see such an incredible showing for the Kayak-a-Thon, and we hope many attendees stay to keep thecelebration going at our Bicentennial Bash,” said Morgan McClary, Montgomery County’s director of communications and tourism.

Bicentennial Bash Schedule – Saturday, Aug. 23:

• 3 to 6 p.m. – Bounce houses
• 3 to 8 p.m. – Face painting
• 3 p.m. – Megabites Events and Catering opens
• 4 p.m. – Eisenadler Brauhaus, Second Act Spirits and Erie Canal Distillers on site into the evening
• 4 to 7 p.m. – Free photos from Fun Booth
• 4 to 7 p.m. – Free Stewart’s Ice Cream (while supplies last)
• 5 to 6 p.m. – Mohawk Valley Exhibition Squad waterski show
• 6:15 p.m. – Cake cutting to celebrate 200 years of the Erie Canal
• 7 p.m. – Gridley Paige’s AM Gold Yacht Party: Experience on the River
• 9 p.m. – Fireworks over the water

For more information about Montgomery County tourism and upcoming events, visit VisitMontgomeryCountyNY.com or follow @VisitMontgomeryCountyNY on social media.

113 Park Drive, PO Box 277, Fultonville, NY 12072 tourism@co.montgomery.ny.us (518) 853-8334 visitmontgomerycountyny.com