‘River Day’ Connects People With Nature

Tunkhannock’s River Day, sponsored and coordinated by the Wyoming County Cultural Center, brought hundreds to the borough’s Riverside Park on Saturday, where they enjoyed musical performances and exhibits by organizations like the Endless Mountains Nature Center, whose director, Rebecca Lesko (above), introduced visitors to Pete, an eastern box turtle.

Photos and Story by Rick Hiduk

The threat of afternoon showers prompted many River Day patrons to get in and out of Riverside Park in Tunkhannock quickly on July 22, even though heavy showers never really materialized and most activities proceeded according to plan. Great food and music was enjoyed by all who stuck it out on an afternoon that was otherwise just very humid.

Weather plays a large role in all outdoor events. And, for River Day organizers, it is an integral part of the connection between people and nature that is aptly discovered along the shoreline of the beautiful Susquehanna River. A persistently rainy summer and high water levels made for a swifter than usual ride for paddlers who took part in either of two trips coordinated by Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals and Endless Mountain Outfitters (EMO).

They got here pretty quick,” said David Buck of EMO, who estimated that nearly 70 people were put on the river Saturday by the two local outfitters.

Entertainment on the Main Stage ranged from live music by regional artists like Chris Shrive (above) and demonstrations by High Energy Fitness and Karate to discussions about birds and other wildlife found along the Susquehanna River.

Children lined up for original face paint renderings by Silly Sally (above), and budding artists of all ages (below) added their personal touch to an evolving mural under the direction of Amy and Steve Colley. The arts were also represented by the Kitson Arts Alliance.

Perhaps one of the most popular features of the River Day was an area sponsored by the Endless Mountains Nature Center, where families were encouraged to mingle with a variety of reptiles, including a number of hand-raised boa constrictors (below), a coral snake, a box turtle, and a lizard. Naturalist and retired Tunkhannock teacher Bob Daniels led a river critters exploration.

Meanwhile, local residents fished and boated along the popular stretch of river, as has been commonplace over the last decade or so that local organizations have collaborated to promote recreational use of the Susquehanna. Their efforts resulted in Tunkhannock garnering official “River Town” status by the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership in 2016.

Dietrich Theater director Erica Rogler was pleased with the crowd size and the flexibility of participants who were able to accommodate some last minute changes to the schedule. River Day is made possible by the Overlook Estate Foundation, the Dietrich Theater, Tunkhannock Riverside Park Commission, G&B Tent Rentals, and the Wyoming County Room Tax Fund and the Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau.

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