Events
Canal Day Celebration
Saturday, August 22, 2026
Noon–5:00 PM
Celebrating the 196th Anniversary of the Arrival of the Canal Boat
Brushstrokes & Boat Songs
Nearly 200 years ago, the first canal boat arrived in Roscoe, forever changing the future of this small village. It brought new people, new ideas, new opportunities, and connected Roscoe to the growing nation.
Join us as we celebrate that remarkable moment with an afternoon of music, history, art, and community along the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Experience Canal Day Celebration
Noon–5:00 PM
- FREE Community Celebration
- Canal Boat Rides Available: $10 per person
- Help create Roscoe Village's new History Mural with internationally acclaimed muralist Dr. Benjamin Swatez.
- Live canal music throughout the afternoon.
- Canal boat rides along the Ohio & Erie Canal.
- Meet historic interpreters and discover stories from the canal era.
- Family-friendly activities at the Canal Landing.
- Celebrate the history, heritage, and spirit of Ohio's canal communities.
Canal Boat Landing – Lake Park
23140 State Route 83 North
Coshocton, Ohio
Free parking • Restrooms on site • Accessible (call ahead)
Your donation supports the restoration of the Ohio & Erie Canal, including canal dredging, restoration of the Monticello III, and preserving this remarkable historic experience for future generations.
Meet the Artist
Dr. Benjamin Swatez is an internationally acclaimed muralist whose large-scale public art has inspired communities in more than 35 countries. His murals can be found in embassies, schools, airports, community centers, museums, and public spaces around the world.
Known for bringing people together through collaborative art, Dr. Swatez will lead the creation of Roscoe Village’s new History Mural during Canal Day Celebration: Brushstrokes & Boat Songs. Visitors of all ages are invited to add a brushstroke and become part of a lasting work of art celebrating the history and heritage of Historic Roscoe Village and the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Dr. Swatez recently earned his Ph.D. in Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution through the Creative Arts, reflecting his belief that art has the power to connect people, preserve stories, and strengthen communities.
Kick Off the Weekend!
Cocktails on the Canal
Join us for an extraordinary evening gliding through history aboard one of the nation’s few horse-drawn canal boats.
Celebrate 196 years of canal heritage while enjoying an exclusive preview of exciting new experiences coming to Historic Roscoe Village.
- 5:00 PM – Private voyage aboard the Monticello III with entertainment and canal songs.
- 6:00 PM – Cocktails & Summer Supper at the Roscoe Village Visitor Center.
- Exclusive preview of new visitor experiences.
- Special showing of Ditches of Destiny.
- Meet internationally acclaimed muralist Dr. Benjamin Swatez, who will lead the creation of Roscoe Village's new History Mural.
- Be among the first to add a brushstroke to the mural, then join us for Canal Day Celebration: Brushstrokes & Boat Songs on Saturday (Noon–5 PM) as the community and Dr. Swatez create this one-of-a-kind work of art together.
- Summer Attire
Historic Roscoe Village Visitor Center
600 N. Whitewoman St.
Coshocton, Ohio
Your participation helps preserve the history, heritage, and stories of Historic Roscoe Village and the Ohio & Erie Canal.
Cocktails on the Canal
5:00 PM