Still known today as the 'Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal,' Fairport's population of 5,740 residents (Census 2000 data) are a close, tight-knit community, who love their home and tend it well.  Their children attend some of the finest public schools in the state, while reaping the benefits of small-town security.  Ten excellent colleges and universities lie within forty miles of Fairport, offering the best in higher education.

Fairport merchants prosper here.  The marvelous atmosphere of the well preserved historic downtown is the retail center for all of surrounding Perinton, and a favorite stop for tourists boating their way down the Canal.  Outstanding overnight docking facilities allow for as long a stay as desired, while visitors browse the specialty boutiques and shops, or dine in the large selection of restaurants and eateries.  For those arriving by car, two magnificent Bed & Breakfasts are found here, the Esten-Wahl Farm and the Twenty Woodlawn House.

Lovely towpaths line the Canal on each side.  Once used by mules hauling barges, today cyclists, joggers and those taking leisurely strolls through the quiet, tree-lined Victorian district of Fairport enjoy the paths.  This is one of the most envied residential neighborhoods in Upstate New York.  Fairport is graced with many green areas and three lovely canal-side parks.  In honor of its past, a resident carved a delightful life-sized wooden mule which stands in front of Village Hall, perfect for picture-taking.  The sculpture is named Sal, taken from the lines in the old barge song, "I got a mule and her name is Sal, fifteen miles on the Erie Canal."  This whimsical statue delights visitors and residents alike.

Fairport comes alive with crowds in June, during their exciting Canal Days celebration.  Over four hundred arts and crafts exhibitors vie to be accepted to this wonderful festival, with music filling the air for three days of fun, food, and art.  Autumn brings the beloved Scarecrow Festival, a joyous and colorful competition in honor of harvest-time.   Fairport also holds smaller festivals, such as the Car Cruz Nights and the delightful light decoration party before Christmas, in keeping with the cozy, small-town community atmosphere.

Fairport, New York is the "Crown Jewel of the Erie Canal".  What an intriguing place to visit or call home!