DELPHI, Ind. — The Wabash and Erie Canal Association located in Delphi, IN is bringing the excitement of the canal to Lafayette on Wednesday, March 25. Canal volunteers in 1850s costume will discuss the many new changes coming to the Delphi based canal this spring.
The new replica canal boat will reside inside this warehouse beside the historic turning basin. In winter months, a lift will raise the boat above the ice. Part of the lifting system is represented by the white posts. Normally, the indoor slip will be full of water.
The meeting will be held at the Tippecanoe Arts Federation at 638 North Street in Downtown Lafayette beginning at 7:00p, according to Steve Gray, Canal Boat Captain with the Wabash and Erie Canal.
The meeting will include a first person portrayal of “Life on the Canal” followed by updates about the many new additions to the canal association’s programs this year. The premier attraction will be the “replica” canal boat being built by Scarano Boat Company of New York. This boat will resemble a period canal boat and can be towed by horses for special occasions. It will be stored in a boathouse designed to look like an 1850s warehouse. The boathouse is currently under construction, and the new boat is scheduled to be completed by late May of this year.
Canal volunteers will be available to discuss volunteer and donor opportunities at the Delphi, IN canal. Gray says this will be a chance for Lafayette area residents to preview the many new additions spring will bring to the mile long dredged and re-watered canal.
Refreshments will be served and the public is welcome to this meeting.
