GEDDES, N.Y. (WSYR) -- This year's sand sculpture at the Great New York State Fair has proven to be a show stopper, highlighting one of the most transformative projects in the state's history: the Erie Canal.

The Erie Canal opened in 1825 and changed the state's framework forever.

200 years later, a team of professional sand sculptors sought to dazzle Fair attendees, while still teaching them about a piece of history.

"I designed the sculpture based on the then and now, and you'll see in the back is the now portion, where it's used primarily for recreation," Matt Long, the leading professional sand sculptor, said. "We have one of the packet boats, which was the main route of travel."

But the results did not happen overnight.

"It's a grueling, physical labor of love," he said.

Long sa

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