Walnutport Canal Association named Business of the Month
The Walnutport Canal Association was named Business of the Month for October by the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce.
"We were surprised," said Doug Boehrer, president of the canal association. "The chamber has been a great supporter."Boehrer said the canal association is completing its heritage center, which will open in the spring, and has begun shaping the area where a memorial garden and gazebo will be constructed. The garden area will lie on a half-acre lot in the canal complex near the Heritage Center, he said.Earlier this year, the canal association received $1,000 from the chamber to put toward the memorial garden. Although individual contributions are up, corporate contributions have dropped this year. The funds from the chamber were a welcome surprise, Boehrer said."I was in sticker shock when I saw the price of shrubbery and mature trees," he said.The purpose of the garden is to honor past members of the canal association and those in the community who helped over the years. Family members of deceased association members will be invited to plant flowers and shrubbery in their loved ones' memory. He expects the gazebo to be a serene spot where visitors can relax and take in the surrounding nature.Although design plans for the garden and gazebo are in the very early stage, Boehrer envisions an ironwork gate in the shape of the profile of an angel at the entrance of the garden. In his research, he found some pictures of this style and plans to replicate it himself. Boehrer designed and constructed the metal sign on the outside of the Heritage Center.Weather permitting, Boehrer plans to have the garden area 75 percent done before winter sets in. Of course, help from the other volunteers will be an important aspect of that equation."We've got a close-knit membership," he said. "All you have to do is make a phone call and people show up."The Walnutport Canal Association is an all-volunteer organization. Its mission is to maintain and preserve the Walnutport section of the Lehigh Canal and to present an interpretive history of the Canal Era at the Locktender's House and Museum.They're gearing up for one of their biggest fundraisers - the Walnutport Canal Festival.The festivities will begin on Saturdaywith the Towpath Trot 6K Run, Fun Run and Walk, and Kayak Race. The Fun Run is for children age 13 and younger.Registration for the Towpath Trot and Fun Run will begin at 8 a.m. in the pavilion. The cost for the Trot is $25 the day of the event. The Fun Run will start at 9 a.m. and the Trot at 9:30.Prefer boating? Try the Kayak Race. It's a first for the canal association.The quarter-mile race will take place in the Walnutport canal. Kayakers must provide their own kayak, paddle and life jacket.Registration will open at 1 p.m. The fee is $20 and the first place prize is $100. The race is limited to 25 people, and will begin at 1:30 p.m.Then on Sunday, the public is welcome to come and enjoy the Walnutport Canal Festival from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free and so is the entertainment.Music will be provided by Big Valley Blue Grass Band, Matthew Dodd, The Jolly Tars and Al Grout. There will also be a magician and juggler, food vendors, crafters, basket raffle, Kids' Corral Area with a bounce house and straw maze, and a hayride. The hayride is free for children 12 years old and younger. Children must be accompanied by a paying adult.For more information about the canal association and its weekend of events, visit its website at