SCRANTON — Clear skies and warm weather provided the perfect backdrop for the Lackawanna River Conservation Association Riverfest’s return to the Spring lineup for the first time since the pandemic.
Tara B. Jones, the organization’s executive director, who participated in a paddle that preceded activities at Sweeney’s beach, said conditions were perfect for a ride down the river.
Nearly 30 people launched their watercrafts into the water at the riverfront in Dickson City and finished up at Sweeney’s beach in the Pine Brook section of Scranton.
The event had historically been held in the Spring, but since the pandemic had been pushed back to the Fall.
Karl Knepley and Rory Kisefski demonstrate fly fishing techniques at RiverFest Saturday. The two men are part the Mayfly Project, a nonprofit organization that uses fly fishing to mentor children in foster care. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Daniela Severino, 6, and Darlin Severino 12, enjoy playing in the Lackawanna River near Sweeney’s Beach as part of RiverFest Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Meg Welker. Environmental Project Manager at PPL Electric Utilities shares information about plants with those attending RiverFest Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
Tara Jones, executive direction of the Lackawanna River Conservation Association (LRCA), after completing a sojourn paddle to Sweeney’s Beach as part of Riverfest Saturday. (GERI GIBBONS/STAFF PHOTO)
The Lackawanna River Conservation Association held its annual RiverFest on Saturday at Sweeney’s Beach along the river in the Pine Brook section of Scranton. Nearly 30 people participated in a “paddle” on the Lackawanna River which kicked off the event. (SUBMITTED)
Participants seemed to appreciate its return to warmer weather.
“It was a wonderful launch,” Jones said. “Just a pleasure to paddle today.”
LRCA Volunteer Emily Baldauff pointed out that this year the paddle wasn’t a race.
“It’s our first year back,” she said. “We just wanted to introduce people to the river. We hope they’ll come back.”
LRCA senior Project Manager Bernie McGurl said the event was a way of welcoming people to the river, who might not otherwise be familiar with it.
“There are so many things to do along the river – hiking, biking, fishing,” he said.
A time for kids and family
Rory Lisefski and Karl Knepley were at the event as part of the “Mayfly Project,” a nonprofit that uses fly fishing as a catalyst to mentor children in foster care.
Children were delighted to have the opportunity to grab the flyrod and whip it around, learning a technique which would likely garner them a fish.
Tim O’Toole of Court Appointed Special Advocates, or CASA pointed, out that not only does fly fishing teach a skill, it also provides the opportunity to mentor and provide support for children in foster care.
Maite Hernandez of Dunmore, came out to the event with her family to enjoy an afternoon near the river.
Her children Daniela Severino 6, and Darlin Severino, 12, brought along a remote controlled boat they operated near the bank with their feet in the water and occasionally took time for a splash or two.
Hernandez said it was the perfect day to be outside learning about the environment and simply have fun.
“We’re definitely coming back,” she said.
RiverFest’s roots date to a Canoe-A-Thon in 1973. The festival has evolved over the years and morphed into a celebration of the river and the environment.