Waterford preps to celebrate the 25th Tugboat Roundup

WATERFORD, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- The town of Waterford is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Waterford Tugboat Roundup, which kicks off on Friday, Sep. 6, at 3:30 p.m. with a tugboat parade. Tugboats will travel up the Hudson River from Albany to the Waterford Tugboat Roundup, offering several locations to watch their travel.

The best places attendees can get a picture of the parade are Troy Riverfront Park, Starbuck Island, the Green Island Bridge around 4:40 p.m., and the Waterford Batter or Peebles Island Bridge between 6 and 6:30 p.m. Participants in the procession include the New York State Marine Highway, Carver Companies, C.D. Perry Companies, Port of Albany's Spirit of Albany, and privately owned boats.

The parade grand marshall is Bill Curry, a 21-year Navy veteran from the Chesapeake Bay. Curry developed his navigation skills before working as an engineer for Remington. His knowledge of tugboats led to a captain's position with the New York State Marine Highway Transportation Company.

Handbuilt miniature tugboats will join the parade at Troy's Federal Lock. Following the parade, the festivities will continue with live music on Friday night and several activities over the weekend, such as tours of the docked tugboats, kids' activities, and a 5K.

Approximate parade viewing times

• 3:30 p.m. - USS Slater, Albany
• 3:40 p.m. - Jennings Landing and Riverfront Park, Albany
• 4:10 p.m. - Mohawk Hudson Bikeway, Watervliet
• 4:30 p.m. - Hudson Shores Park, Watervliet
• 4:40 p.m. - Troy Riverfront Park & Dinosaur BBQ, Troy
• 4:55 p.m. - Ingalls Avenue Boat Launch, Troy
• 5:40 p.m. - 105th Street Riverfront Park, Troy
• 5:50 p.m. - 112th Street Bridge, Lansingburgh
• 6:00-6:30 p.m. - Waterford Harbor, Waterford

A fireworks show is planned for Saturday, Sept. 7, around 8:45 p.m., weather permitting. The Waterford Tugboat Roundup website has a full schedule of events, and Waterford Town Supervisor Dave Ball said the event is hitting another significant milestone.

"The Tugboat Roundup has become a much-anticipated event in our community, drawing thousands of visitors and celebrating our rich maritime heritage, Ball said. "Reaching the 25th anniversary is a testament to the enduring spirit of Waterford and the dedication of everyone involved over the years."