CANASTOTA, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — It was a big weekend in Canastota, welcoming the 35th class of inductees into the Boxing Hall of Fame. The weekend is full of fun events, but the annual parade brings the whole town out to celebrate.
Induction weekend celebrates boxings’ legends and the beauty of the local community all in one. This year’s celebration featured 11 inductees and a whole lot of Canastota pride.
“And create something that’s really quite marvelous, and helps make Central New York a special spot. Thousands of people from all across the world come to visit Canastota, New York,” said Vince Stody, the announcer of the parade.
The weekend celebration connects Canastota to the diversity of the boxing community. Journalist Carlos Rivera traveled all the way from Puerto Rico to cover the induction of Puerto Rico’s own two-weight world champion, Ivan Calderon.
“In Puerto Rico, people are really proud in terms of boxers, in terms of the history of boxing in Puerto Rico. And all the influence we have had around the world,” said Rivera.
Not only is this a big weekend for boxing, it’s also a big weekend for the village of Canastota. And a lot of the people attending the parade have been coming here their whole life. Randy Waterman has been marching with the Camden Continental Band since he was four years old.
“I’ve probably done the Canastota parade probably 30 or so times, it’s always an annual thing,” said Waterman.
The parade features local talent from all over Central New York. This year’s parade included various local marching bands, dance groups, MMA classes, law enforcement, and of course, the entourage of convertibles transporting the hall of fame inductees. It’s safe to say the whole village shows up like it’s fight night.
“I had a young lady recently say she’s a fighter I saw her at a memorabilia show. She was at a boxing display. She said ‘you’re from Canastota. That’s my goal. I’m gonna be there one day, not just my gloves.’ So that really says it all,” said Stody.
The weekend capped off with the induction ceremony at Turning Stone Sunday night. But for boxers and boxing fans, it all ends in Canastota.
