Summer In Niagara USA

The Kenan Center

The Kenan Center is a 'living' place for community provided arts, education and recreation. Set on an historic, 25 acres, this center includes a fine arts gallery, theater, annual craft show, sports arena and formal gardens.

This summer, attend the 42 annual 100 American Craftsmen Show June 1-3, or walk the garden during Lockport in Bloom, July 14 and 15. Hands-on sculpture building withEssex Arts Center for ages 10-12 will take place July 9 and 16 call 716-433-2617 for registration information. The public is invited to attend a public reception from 7-9pmFriday, July 20 for the Biennial Niagara Frontier Art Exhibit, which continues throughout the month of August.

The Kenan Center is FREE except for special events and programs, and is open to the public year round, 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday. FREE parking is available, including tour busses.

Cast Away

Niagara USA offers world class fishing opportunities throughout the year and boasts a long list of freshwater fish available year-round.

Niagara USA is home to one of the most diverse and spectacular freshwater sport fisheries on the planet. The Niagara River, Lake Ontario and Lake Erie are all within casting distance for salmon, trout, bass, walleye, muskellunge and so much more. You can fish for many of the species year-round. Take your fishing adventure to Niagara you're sure to satisfy the urge to enjoy the great outdoors.

Sport fishing opportunities in Niagara are endless. Whether it's to chase a winning fish in one of the many derbies and tournaments, held in Niagara Falls throughout the year or simply a chance to have your family enjoy some great fishing for a wide variety of species in a scenic setting. Fishing in Niagara has something for everyone.

A weekly fishing report is currently recorded at 1-877-FALLS-US.

Artpark

High atop the Niagara River Gorge is a magnificent celebration of the arts at Artpark. Since its formal opening on July 25, 1974, Artpark has forged a new place for arts in leisure. There is nothing like it – anywhere.

As one of North America's most innovative summer art festivals, Artpark offers a full spectrum of engaging entertainment; from productions of immortal Broadway musicals, swinging big band concerts and celebrity performances in the Mainstage Theater; to free concerts, music and cultural festivals in the Outdoor Amphitheater.

For more information about summer 2012 at Artpark visit the Niagara USA blog.

Herschell Carrousel Museum

A cultural and recreational center for citizens and tourists, adjacent to the historic Erie Canal, the Herschell Carrousel Museum is a tribute to the Allan Herschell Carrousel Factory. The company produced carousels during the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The architectural integrity showcases an industry of yesteryear, yet is still one of America's favorite forms of recreation.

Carrousels, band organ and kiddie rides, are all housed in National Register listed Allan Herschell Co. Stop by to view the exhibits, demonstrations, family oriented Children's Gallery, or participate in an event and visit their extensive gift shop.

Summer hours are 10am – 4pm Mondays through Saturdays, and noon – 4pm Sundays. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, and $2.50 students ages 2 – 12. A complete list of events can be found online here.

From 11am – 6pm Sunday, June 2 the 12th Annual Brass Ring Thing XII Renaissance Festival will transport visitors back in time to "ye days of olde". Join knights and ladies and celebrate the early origins of carrousels. Immerse yourself in history with weapons demonstrations and tournaments, period songsters and storytellers, historic artisan demonstrations, themed crafts and games, vendors, food, contests-and so much more. Admission is $5 per adult, $3 per child, and $5 game bracelet additional per person.

Parents can drop off their children for a morning off while they learn about life before iPods and the Internet. At Classic Carrousels Camp, July 23-27, children will take part in numerous crafts and activities, while exploring history, math, science, and art. Classes examine everything from the medieval origins of carrousels to the band organs that provide their unique music.

Grades K-2 will enjoy Carrousels Through the Ages Camp from 9am – noon August 13-17. The Herschell companies created unique carrousels and other amusement rides in Western New York for almost a century. From the first carrousel in 1883, until the company moved to Kansas in 1970, carrousels and society changed greatly. In this camp, explore what life was like for children during the different eras, from the Victorian period through the 1950s. Make crafts, play games, and look at amusement rides from different decades in this unique camp. $30 for the week ($25 for Carrousel Society members).

Space is limited for both camps. Registration can be done over the phone at 716-693-1885 or download an application here.