One morning five years ago, I stumbled on the Tugboat Roundup in Waterford, NY, at the entrance to the Erie Canal. I was charmed by the adorable hardworking boats and have meant to return every year since. This year I finally went back, this time with my mother and my brother and his family, camera in hand. Unfortunately this year the time of day, the overhead sun, the much bigger crowd, and the (happy) distraction of family meant I didn’t take many photos I loved. So I came home and revisited my photos from last time. Many of the same boats were here this year and five years ago. These photos are a mix from both visits.

The mini tugboats are my favorites. I confess I dream of a life where I own one of these!

This year’s Tug of the Year was the Shoofly Pie.

One of the boats there this year was the John J. Harvey, a 95-year-old NYC fireboat that can pump up to 18,000 gallons of water a minute. This boat was pulled out of retirement to serve on 9/11. This year I was at the festival 25 years and one day after 9/11 and I felt moved by this hero of a boat.

It’s held in a beautiful location with a lot of history. Among other things, Waterford has the steepest canal locks in the United States.

Toot toot!

~Deirdre