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Coming to Clayton... in June


TI Life’s team member, Michael Folsom will be busy this summer. He is the event organizer for a special happening in Clayton when “Sailing Seaway Clayton” takes place from June 14-20. The Clayton waterfront will be graced by an appearance of the War of 1812 replica tall ship Lynx and various other vessels.

“I’m more than excited about the opportunity to bring such an outstanding vessel to the region and highlight the assets our area has to offer, including the Thousand Islands Regional Dock at Frink Park in Clayton,” said Michael Folsom, event organizer. “The community has been key in supporting my efforts in making this event a reality and I look forward to sharing it with everyone.”

Michael is well qualified to lead the planning team as he is covers the Seaway News on his popular web site, The Ship Watcher, as well as a twitter site: http://twitter.com/theshipwatcher. Last summer was especially busy for Michael.  When the Algobay and the Commodore Straits both went aground, Mike's site was the first outlet along the St. Lawrence River to break the news. His in-depth coverage for both stories dubbed him as a source by area news media throughout the north country. 

In January, an email was sent to Folsom regarding the possibility of Lynx coming to the Thousand Islands. “When I received the email, I was happy to know that we were being considered for a visit.” Originally planned as a 3-day event in mid-June, the folks from Lynx and Folsom agreed on growing the stay into more of an event and allowing for Lynx to utilize the Regional Dock space for an extended period of time. “By creating a multiple day event, we were able to provide more viewing opportunities for visitors, as well as additional sailing excursion opportunities.”

Sailing Seaway Clayton, which is presented by Watertown car dealership Davidson Auto Group and area realtor Amanda Miller and her team at Lake Ontario Realty, will officially kickoff at Noon on Tuesday, June 14 when Lynx is set to sail into Clayton under her full sails and cannon blasts. Lynx is expected to be greeted on the water by Clayton’s fire boat, Last Chance, as they send a spray of water into the air to welcome the ship. Later that night, Davidson Auto Group will host a number of Wounded Warriors from nearby Fort Drum in a private viewing of the ship.

Throughout the week the Lynx will be open for public deck tours and sailing excursions.  Saturday will be known as “Seaway Day” and feature local vessels. Tug Bowditch, along with former military landing vessels Maple Grove and Thors Hammer will be on display at the dock. Live music will cap off the night in the park.

Monday will be known as Clayton Chamber of Commerce ‘Shop Clayton Day’ which is geared towards encouraging area visitors to stop in the local shops on the ship’s final day in town.

This will mark the second summer in a row which a tall ship will visit the village of Clayton. Last summer, Roseway stopped in Clayton prior to participating in the 2010 Tall Ships Challenge. Lynx is no stranger to the area either, as the ship also took part in the Tall Ship Challenge and ventured on the Seaway to get there. Lynx also took part in an event in Oswego, New York.

Michael and his team suggest you look for more information on the event, including ‘inside scoop’ on behind the scenes information presented by Clayton’s The Scoop ice cream shop, or to book a sailing excursion, by visiting  “Sailing Seaway Clayton”  website. 

 http://sailingseawayclayton.blogspot.com.

By Susan W. Smith

 

Posted in: News Article
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Comments

marilyn
Comment by: marilyn ( )
Left at: 9:46 AM Friday, April 1, 2011
Great idea and wonderful event. Looking forward to it. Wish it be twice a yr
in Aug/Sept. Labor Day weekend. Thanks for organizing!