Unique location of the Morris Canal with almost 200 years of history

The 50th Annual Canal Day Music and Craft Festivalset for this Saturday, August 24th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hugh Force Canal Park, 180 West Central Ave., Whartonpromises to be a vibrant celebration of the historic Morris Canal and the rich heritage of the communities along its route.

The traditional fair offers a day of music, culture and family-friendly activities, including:

• Live music: Enjoy two stages featuring some of New Jersey’s finest artists, including rock, blues, country, classical, and traditional and contemporary Irish folk music.

• Interactive activities: Take free kayak rides, take a historic boat tour and learn traditional blacksmithing.

• Shopping & Eating: Discover over 150 vendors offering arts, crafts and delicious food from local restaurants and gourmet food trucks.

The Morris Canal, an engineering marvel that stretched 102 miles through northern New Jersey, was in operation from the 1820s until 1924. The site at The Hugh Force Canal Park in Wharton has one of the best preserved sections of the Morris Canalwhich was crucial for regional development almost two centuries ago.

A 16-year, $4.7 million restoration funded by state and county grants revitalized a quarter-mile stretch and the only remaining operational lock on the 102-mile canal that once connected Phillipsburg and Jersey City. The lock, which once raised and lowered boats as they traveled through the canal, was fully restored in 2022, along with the adjacent stone “lockkeeper’s house,” which now serves as a museum.

Here are the Morris County officials and organizations participating in this year’s Canal Day:

• Morris County Clerk’s Office: Learn about the many services offered, from recording vital records to performing marriage ceremonies to processing U.S. passport applications.

• Mosquito Control in Morris County: Learn about mosquito habitats and life cycles and how to reduce standing water around your home. A live mosquito demonstration and expert advice will be offered.

• Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority: Learn about recycling and waste management programs throughout Morris County and how the water department provides drinking water to local communities and water utilities while serving as the county’s primary environmental resource.

• Morris County Sheriff’s Office: Meet the bomb disposal unit and canine team, with demonstrations and equipment displays. Sheriff James Gannon will also be on hand with Hope One, the mobile rescue vehicle that provides addiction and mental health services and Narcan training.

Admission to the festival is freewith off-street parking for $5. Stay for a spectacular fireworks display at Robert Street Park at 7 p.m.

Music artists of the Great Field Bandshell

Street activities (all day):

Park area – Pavilion – Opening ceremony: 10:00-10:30 a.m.

Park area – music program in the pavilion:

Special activities in the park area (all day):

• 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m.: Guided historical walking tours along the Morris Canal by the Canal Society of NJ