News & Updates

The latest from the Village of Fonda Recreational & Canal Park

A Fonda Resident Who Answered the Call – We Remember 9/11
Community

A Fonda Resident Who Answered the Call – We Remember 9/11

Among those who responded to Ground Zero was Brian Grisel, a lifelong resident of Fonda and now retired metalworker. After learning that Ground Zero needed their specialized skills and equipment, Brian and his team loaded their trucks and headed to New York City to assist with the rescue and recovery effort.

His story reminds us that the response to September 11 extended far beyond the uniformed services whose courage and sacrifice we rightfully honor. Twenty-five years later, we continue to honor the lives lost, those who responded, and the families who still carry their absence.


Community Working Together at the Fonda Fair and Fonda Park
AI-generated image
Community

Community Working Together at the Fonda Fair and Fonda Park

As the 185th Fonda Fair comes to a close, we want to thank the nonprofit organizations and volunteers who parked cars at Fonda Park throughout Fair week:

VFW Post 942 · Fonda-Fultonville Community Foundation · St. Cecilia's Church · Fonda-Fultonville Lions Club · Fonda-Fultonville United Methodist Church

Each of these organizations gives back to our community in its own way. Whether by supporting veterans, helping local families, serving our youth, strengthening our churches, or investing in community programs, their work makes a difference year-round.

Parking during the Fair gave these groups an opportunity to raise funds for their organizations while also supporting Fonda Park. The Park's share of the proceeds goes directly to park maintenance and improvements. It is a true community partnership: local organizations helping themselves while also helping us care for a public space that belongs to everyone.

Thank you to every volunteer who gave their time, welcomed visitors, directed traffic, and helped keep parking safe and organized. We also want to recognize our Fonda DPW team, who worked to prepare the park for our visitors and kept everything running smoothly throughout the week. We also appreciate everyone who chose to park at Fonda Park and support these organizations by donating.

Finally, congratulations to the Montgomery County Agricultural Society, the Fonda Fair Board, and the many volunteers and behind-the-scenes workers on a successful 185th Fonda Fair. The Fair remains one of our community's most important traditions, and its continued success reflects the hard work and dedication of those who make it happen each year.

Thank you to everyone who helped make Fair Week a success. This is what community working together looks like.


Vendor Opportunities at the August 22 Kayak-a-Thon
Vendors

Vendor Opportunities at the August 22 Kayak-a-Thon

The Village of Fonda is actively seeking food vendors, artisans, and local businesses to set up at Fonda Park on Saturday, August 22, 2026, for the Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon.

This is a unique opportunity to reach a large, engaged crowd. The event draws paddlers finishing a 13-mile route from Canajoharie, along with spectators, families, and community members who come to the park to welcome them at the finish line. Live music by Spike and the Boys begins at 5:00 PM, keeping the energy going well into the evening.

Whether you sell food, crafts, or local goods, this event is a great fit. Vendor space is limited, so we encourage interested parties to reach out as soon as possible.

To register as a vendor, contact the Village Clerk at [email protected] or by phone at 518.853.4335. We look forward to making this a great day for the whole community.

Contact the Village Clerk to Reserve Your Spot


Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon Returns to Fonda Park
Kayak-a-Thon

Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon Returns to Fonda Park

In 2025, Fonda Park served as the starting point for the Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon. The event was a great success, with more than 240 participants launching from Fonda and paddling east along the Mohawk River.

This year, the route has been reversed, and Fonda Park will welcome the kayakers at the finish. The 2026 Montgomery County Kayak-a-Thon will take place on Saturday, August 22. Participants will launch from Riverfront Park in Canajoharie and paddle approximately 13 miles to Fonda Park. Kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards are welcome. Registration is available through Eventbrite.

The public is invited to come to Fonda Park and help us welcome the paddlers as they arrive at approximately 4:00 p.m. Food, activities, and live entertainment are planned into the evening, including music by Spike and the Boys beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Additional activities and event information will be announced as plans are completed. Be sure to check our Park Calendar for updates and sign up for our notifications so you do not miss any announcements.

Whether you participate on the water or join us at the park, we hope you will come out and be part of this year's event.


Music on the Mohawk
Music on the Mohawk

Fonda Park Joins the 2026 Music on the Mohawk Concert Series

Fonda Park is once again pleased to participate in the Montgomery County Music on the Mohawk Concert Series.

The Village of Fonda received $7,000 in funding from Montgomery County Tourism to support this year's concerts. This funding helps us continue offering free live music and family-friendly evenings in the park for residents and visitors throughout the summer.

We appreciate the continued support of Montgomery County Tourism and look forward to another great season of music along the Mohawk River.

Be sure to check our Park Calendar for upcoming concerts and other events taking place at Fonda Park throughout the summer.


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