Wayne County Life

By: Stephanie L. Knarr

Last week Lyons welcomed over 500 cyclists as they peddled their way through town while they ventured through the National Heritage Corridor on a trip from Lockport to Albany that rolled over 400 scenic miles.

Lyons, an Erie Canal community, hosted an unplanned stop for the cyclists offering a water refill station, restrooms, maps of local eateries and tours of the historic Hotchkiss building, Ohmann Theatre and several murals that were only part of the treasures to be found in this quaint little town.

"I had been looking forward to cycling through Lyons, but I hadn't expected the reception and enthusiasm you showed to all the riders. Outstanding! You did it right!", said Jean McKay.

Lyons, the heart of Wayne County, is stocked full of local history. Not only does it hold prestigious status as the County seat, but it's rich history is forever being preserved here. The H.G. Hotchkiss Essential Oil building is the landmark of prize winning peppermint oil (the foundation of the naming of it's local community celebration - Peppermint Days) and the Ohmann Theatre is the oldest live and stage theatre in America.

But that's not all... Lyons is also the home of Mural Mania, which is The Preservation of History through Community Art. The Mural Mania program is the proud recipient of the Canalway Heritage Award given in June of this year in recognition of its dedication of sharing history through public art and for its contribution to community revitalization.

"It was so much fun to talk to people from Nova Scotia, Canada, Alaska and all over the United States. Makes us realize what an asset we have being located along this historic Erie Canal.", says Mayor Corrine Kleisle who was also on hand to assist on this hot, sunny day.

The Lyons Chamber of Commerce, who in years past have done this event alone, were joined by several organizations this year to show their Lyons pride. The Heritage Society, the Civic Club, the Lyons Main Street Program, Americorps and the Lyons Youth Ambassodors all joined together to hand out maps, water, give directions and offer any assistance necessary to the growing number of cyclists. Water donations were made possible by Lyons National Bank and Dobbins' Drug Store. Lyons' citizens clearly show that teamwork builds a community strong and something to be proud of.

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