Glassmaking barge sails into WNY this summer

You'll soon be able to experience the wonders of the Corning Museum of Glass without filling up your gas tank for a three-hour trip to the central Southern Tier. 

The museum is marking its 150th anniversary by launching a four-month tour of New York state with its GlassBarge. The barge features glassblowing demonstrations and will make more than 30 stops in communities along the Erie Canal and Hudson River between now and Labor Day weekend. 

The itinerary includes six stops in the eight counties of Western New York - Holley, Lockport, Tonawanda, Buffalo, Middleport and Medina.

Free glassblowing demonstrations will take place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the days when the barge is in port. Visitors are encouraged to pre-register online. 

Here is a schedule of stops in Western New York:

July 24th                           Holley Canal Park, Holley

July 28th & 29th               Upson Park, Lockport

July 31st                           Gateway Harbor, Tonawanda

August 3rd - 5th               Canalside, Buffalo

August 8th                        Middleport Harbor

August 11th & 12th          Medina Canal Basin