The 3rd annual Canal Fest – officially the Delaware & Raritan Canal Festival – in East Millstone was expected to draw thousands of visitors to the historic village on Oct. 19.

The event, which benefited the Franklin Township Food Bank, was held along a stretch of Market Street, starting from Amwell Road, which was lined with food vendors, arts and crafts purveyors, children’s games and activities and three bandstands.

The festival is a combination music festival, arts and crafts festival and fireman’s fair, said Michael Steinbruck, one of the organizers.

“All these pieces coming together has been amazing,” he said.

Steinbruck said support by local residents and businesses is increasing.

“It’s growing every year,” he said. “We’re supported by more and more people every year.”

According to Township Councilman Phil Kramer, the core team developing the idea included Steinbruck, Kramer, Patti Sofran of the East Millstone Historical Society and Robin Scudder, who organized the arts and crafts vendors.

The day also featured a rubber duck race on the canal, coordinated by Somerset resident Bob LaCorte.

The East Millstone Fire Department also held its open house on Oct.19.