High winds level Canal music barge

Last Saturday's winds damaged homes, uprooted trees, downed power lines, and destroyed E.R.l.E.'s floating stage.

It was just last May that the barge was painted by local artist Ralph Marcano - murals of early inhabitants, the Lyons skyline, and a portrait of Canal Captain Peter Wiles Sr., who died in 1995. The barge served as stage to several concerts and performances throughout the summer and was wintering at the Dry Dock in Lyons. It sat on the north bank of the canal and could be seen from Route 31. But by the light of Sunday morning, all that could be seen was a pile of wood. Saturday's winds had leveled the barge.

E.R.I.E. president Mark DeCracker said that the murals were not damaged by the weather, and that the barge will be rebuilt. DeCracker said that the remnants will be stored until spring, then work will begin when the weather is better. The barge is expected to be used at several summer events, so work must be completed by May.

If you would like to volunteer for this rebuilding project, contact DeCracker at 946-4092.

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