Cultural Center Looks Ahead to Tunkhannock River Day – Vendors Sought

Photos from River Day 2017 by Rick Hiduk

Organizers and supporters of the 14th annual River Day at Tunkhannock met at the Wyoming County Cultural Center (WCCC) on April 18 to discuss entertainment, exhibitor and vendor options, potential presentations, and enhancing the literal connection of visitors to the Susquehanna River. The possibilities brought to the table were exciting, and meeting participants have been tasked with reaching out to and getting confirmations for both returning and new activities and performers.

River Day, which draws 1,000 or more people to Riverside Park in Tunkhannock each year, will be held on Saturday, July 21. John Williams will return as emcee for the event, and the Ziegers, Flatland Ruckus, and Hickory Project (above) are confirmed as entertainers. The Ziegers (below) will also conduct a music workshop for children and families.

Entertainment from beginning to end helps keep people interested in the other activities,” said WCCC executive director Erica Rogler.

And each act brings their own fan base with them,” Art Coolbaugh of Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals added.

A number of local musicians’ names were brought to the table, as well as the possibility of involving a high school ensemble, poetry group, or acoustic musicians to fill in between feature acts. The cost for entertainment is covered by the Overlook Estate Foundation.

Susquehanna Kayak & Canoe Rentals and Endless Mountains Outfitters will collaborate to organize paddling trips of various lengths from upriver points to Tunkhannock. Rebecca Lesko (below, right) from the Endless Mountains Nature Center will bring a number of woodland creatures for an educational presentation, and the participation of other nature specialists should be confirmed soon.

 

Suggestions for additional activities ranged from archaeological artifacts, butterflies and snakes to Native American history and an introduction of the 444 Club for avid paddlers.

Several popular food vendors and exhibitors from previous years will return, and organizers are looking for new vendors of locally produced, natural products.

River Day will be preceded with a presentation by the Delaware Valley Raptor Center at the Dietrich Theater on Saturday, July 7. Bill Streeter will bring his amazing birds to Tunkhannock, and River Day brochures containing all of the details of this year’s event will be available.

According to Rogler and programming coordinator Margie Young of the WCCC, volunteers have always been an integral part of River Day, from set-up through break-down, including parking directors. As the event continues to expand, additional volunteers are needed. Readers interested in volunteering on July 21 should contact Margie Young at 570-996-1500.

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