Trial run coming for carriage rides in Lewiston

Rob Creenan, Niagara Gazette, Niagara Falls, N.Y.
·2 min read

May 28—The Lewiston Historical Association is planning a trial run of horse-drawn carriages this summer, offering quaint rides through the village streets.

The initiative is meant to enhance the village's charm and celebrate its rich heritage, per a release from the historical association.

"We're gonna have no idea what this is going to turn into, if anything," said volunteer Lee Simonson. "We'll see what the public reception is."

The current plans are for the carriage rides to go on for eight non-festival Saturdays. Four rides will go around the village at noon, 1, 2, and 3 p.m., each lasting between 40 and 45 minutes, with the carriage used having a nine-person capacity.

The ride days, subject to weather conditions, would be June 8, June 22, July 6, July 13, July 27, Aug. 3 and Aug. 19.

The planned route would start in front of Deal Realty at 451 Center St. From there, the carriage would go along Niagara, Seneca, South 4th, Cayuga, and South 3rd streets. The rides include a 20-minute stop for a tour of the Lewiston Museum at the corner of Niagara and Plain streets.

Simonson said the Historical Association has been talking about doing something like this for the past few years. They originally wanted to set up a stagecoach in front of the Frontier House, but acquiring one was too expensive on top of logistical issues.

The carriage and two horses used are owned by Scott Armison of Cattaraugus County, who will drive them into Lewiston each Saturday and operate the carriage.

While the village's board of trustees gave its approval at this past week's village meeting, they were still concerned about the impact on traffic on Center Street. Simonson offered to shift the loading area off of Center Street onto Niagara Street if it is still a concern during this trial run.

Depending on this trial run's success, the historical association would turn this into a fundraiser for the museum.

Simonson noted this will be a fraction of the cost of the horse-drawn carriage rides offered in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

"We're focused on making it work this summer and we'll see where it goes from there," he said.

Ride reservations can be made by calling the museum at 716-754-4214. Donations of $10 per person, or $5 for children ages 12 and younger, are suggested.