BACKGROUND. The concept for this new program originated from my personal experiences on the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I have been fortunate to have walked portions of the Camino on 3 separate occasions. And, like a majority of the Pilgrims I met along the Way, the journey became spiritual to me in many ways. Each day on the trail had quickly evolved into a daily opportunity to experience personal introspection and a quest for continued enlightenment, not just logging the miles traveled. I met the most fascinating people; discovering their heightened passion for life, exemplified by unlimited kindness and extraordinary generosity, which ultimately transcended into the foundational motivation behind this project.

 

The pivotal point in the Program's development occurred on December 31, 2020, during a Covid-19 briefing, when New York State’s Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced the completion of the Empire State Trail (EST), encouraging sheltered-in-place New Yorkers to experience its beauty and serenity. The 750-mile EST was developed to promote outdoor recreation, encourage healthy lifestyles, support community vitality and bolster tourism-related economic development. That was the moment I thought it possible to bring the Spanish Camino de Santiago concept to NY State on the EST, and America's Pilgrimage Passport Program was born.

 

Since that time, I have visited towns and villages between Rochester and Little Falls and have walked along the Erie Canalway portion of the EST several times. My overall conclusion is that the EST is much more than just a walking and bicycling trail. It is a beacon which attracts and invites exploring all that New York State has to offer, connecting people and showcasing New York's special places, diverse history and iconic landscapes, and provides the perfect backdrop for this Program to help local communities explore additional economic opportunities and develop sustainable growth management plans.

 

PROGRAM DETAILS. Like the Camino, to obtain a Certificate of Achievement, America's Pilgrimage Passport Program requires obtaining a Passport and affixing business stamps from any participating retail business. The Program's biggest difference and advantage is that walking, bicycling or engaging in any physical activity on the Trail is optional. Once you obtain a Passport, you only need to completely fill the Passport with stamps obtained from participating businesses. The current roster of participating businesses is highlighted herein and will be clearly identified with a Program decal affixed to their place of business window. Passports are obtained and certificates of achievement redeemed at any participating Town Office, Chamber of Commerce and/or any other official representative also listed herein. And, to encourage visitors and tourists to return to upstate New York again and again, I deliberately established that your Passport has no expiration date; it can be used on multiple visits until filled with stamps.

 

BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION 2025. The Erie Canalway is having a very special moment in time next year celebrating its 200th anniversary. To celebrate this momentous event, each town and village along the Canalway is in the planning process of creating new special Bicentennial-related activities, along with amplifying their annual summer events and festivals. It is a perfect opportunity to announce the America’s Pilgrimage Passport Pilot Program along the EST section between Pittsford and Little Falls, which is anticipated to launch to coincide with the Bicentennial Celebration on Memorial Day weekend 2025. Currently, the towns of Pittsford, Fairport, Lyons, Oneida, Canastota, Rome, Herkimer, and Little Falls, have agreed to participate. Additional towns along the Canalway are welcome to join the Program at any time and are encouraged to do so prior to the Bicentennial next year.

 

I am excited to report that I will be in the Erie Canalway area, September 23 – October 6, 2024. The itinerary includes: personally reconnecting with Town, Village and Chamber representatives and business organizations to introduce the website; visit and invite additional businesses and organizations to join the Program; meet and interview Town Historians to obtain Canal historical content for the website; and introduce new Program ideas specifically designed to launch in conjunction with the Bicentennial Celebration 2025, such as: Adopt-a-Trail Mile, Liberducky Derby, Trail Teens, Canal Kids, Trail Rangers, and a Bicentennial Bike Decorating and Parade Day. Upon my return in mid-October, I will post all current information and pictures.

 

As this website develops, I look forward to your "Trail Talk" posts about your personal stories and experiences along the Erie Canalway and throughout upstate New York. And, as Bicentennial Celebration 2025 festivals and events are developed, they will be showcased here. I'm also looking for on-site Volunteers now to ensure that this Program is ready to launch on time.

 

Let's dare to care and work together as an impassioned and engaged coalition to raise awareness of the Erie Canalway Bicentennial Celebration 2025.

 

Thanks for your interest!​​​​