The “whiskey plank” is the final plank required to complete the outer shell of a wooden hull and is considered to be a major milestone in the construction of a wooden boat. This FREE event will feature speeches from local and state officials, members of the boatbuilding team, representatives from BMC, as well as music by Erie Canal band, The Heenan Brothers, free beer tasting by Big Ditch Brewing Company, and custom-designed whiskey by Buffalo Distilling for the traditional whiskey toast. Non-alcoholic options will be available and food trucks will be on-site!

This is also the last day the public can freely walk around the Erie Canal Boat Project at the Longshed until it’s launched in May, so be sure to join this historic event!

The Whiskey Plank Celebration is made possible thanks to the support from the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor.