38th Annual Canal Celebration in Little Falls Wraps

By Dave Warner

The 38th annual Canal Celebration in Little Falls concluded after a vibrant five-day run, bringing together the community for a memorable blend of family-friendly activities, stunning weather, and a standout car show.

Organizers Cathy Cristman and Isabella Stone, along with participants like car show enthusiasts Artie Rumrill and Brian, shared their insights, highlighting the event’s triumph and its deep community ties.

Under Sunny Skies

Cathy Cristman and Isabella Stone, key organizers of the celebration, expressed their delight with this year’s turnout and atmosphere. “The weather certainly was perfect,” Isabella noted, emphasizing how the sunny days boosted everyone’s spirits. “Everyone was smiling, having a good time laughing,” Cathy added, reflecting on the success of the event after last year’s disappointment when Friday night activities were canceled.

This year’s celebration made up for it with a robust lineup, including a well-received parade that Cathy described as “one of the best ones ever.”

New additions like a larger obstacle course and the return of FoamFest, coupled with popular attractions like the rock climbing wall, drew significant crowds. “The kids had a great time doing that, which was awesome because Little Falls has local rock climbing spots at Moss Island,” Cathy said, underscoring the event’s role in connecting younger generations to local recreational opportunities.

The organizers also praised the turnout at booths like the Herkimer Home, which featured old-fashioned games and saw over 500 kids participate, 200 more than last year. “We want to thank all of our sponsors and donors,” Cathy and Isabella emphasized, acknowledging the community support that made the event possible.

Car Show Steals the Spotlight

The car show, a highlight of the Canal Celebration, showcased unique vehicles and the stories behind them. Artie Rumrill, from Johnstown, New York, proudly displayed his custom-built truck, a labor of love pieced together with parts from various sources. “I carried the cab out of the woods and the front piece, and I built everything else on this truck,” Artie shared.

His creation featured Model A fenders, widened for effect, and rear fenders from a 1963 quarter-ton truck, with refined barnwood and a coffin in the box. The truck’s jet airplane seats and a powerful 327 Corvette motor with a 200R transmission and 3.73 gears allow it to perform a “two-wheel burnout,” a crowd-pleaser at many shows.

Meanwhile, Bryon Combellack captivated attendees with the heartfelt story behind his 1967 Chevy II, originally intended as a father-son project by retired NHRA Top Fuel driver Terry McMillen. “Unfortunately, his son passed away before he could start the car,” Bryon recounted.

After years in a barn, McMillen completed the car, which placed well in the 2019 Detroit Autorama’s pro street class. Bryon, who acquired the car in 2023, has since formed a bond with McMillen. “It’s a one-in-a-million type thing to me,” he said, committed to preserving the car’s originality and sharing its story in honor of McMillen’s son, Jason.

“I promised Mr. McMillen that I would do that for him,” Bryon added, planning to create a display board to share the car’s history with a broader audience.

Looking Ahead

The 38th Canal Celebration not only delivered on entertainment but also strengthened Little Falls’ sense of community. From the bounce houses and rock climbing walls that delighted children to the car show’s unique vehicles and poignant stories, the event left a lasting impression.

As Cathy and Isabella look forward to “another wonderful year,” the success of this year’s celebration sets a high bar for 2026, promising more opportunities to bring the community together under Little Falls’ sunny skies.