Information on LRCA's RiverFest Sojourn 2025

LRCA's RiverFest Sojourn - Back on the Water!

The Lackawanna River Conservation Association (LRCA) is excited to announce the return of our spring paddle on Saturday, May 17, 2025. This will be our first spring paddling event since the COVID pandemic, and we can't wait to welcome you back on the river! This year the LRCA is hosting a sojourn paddle and not a timed race.

RiverFest, our largest fundraiser of the year, is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the Lackawanna River and support the LRCA's ongoing efforts to protect and preserve this valuable resource. We rely on your participation to help us bring back this cherished annual rite of spring!

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 (rain date, May 31)
• Launch Location: Riverfront Park, Dickson City (The Dog Park)
• Landing Location: Sweeney's Beach, Scranton
• Registration: Cost $50 and closes on Sunday, May 4, at 11:59 PM. You must register in advance, no registration on day of the event.

Logistics for Participants:

• Kayak Rental: There are a limited number of single kayaks available for rent (additional $50) from our vendor partner. You will be given the link to reserve your kayak in the LRCA registration confirmation email.
• Own Boat Drop-off: If you are bringing your own kayak or canoe, you may drop it off at the designated area at Riverfront Park between 7:45 AM and 8:15 AM. Please arrive before 8:15 AM to ensure smooth access, as the rental vendor will be utilizing the drop-off loop after that time. ALL VEHICLES MUST BE TAKEN TO SWEENEY'S PARKING AREA - NO EXCEPTIONS. 
• Transportation/Vehicle Relocation:  A morning shuttle is being provided at 8:45 AM from Poplar St. (the street nearest Sweeney's Beach). 
• Participants using their own boats should drop them off at Riverfront Park, then drive your vehicle to the parking area at Sweeney's Beach in Scranton. A shuttle service will be provided to transport you back to Riverfront Park for the launch. The shuttle will leave promptly at 8:45 AM.
• Participants using rental kayaks will also park at Sweeney's Beach to be shuttled to Dickson City. The shuttle will leave promptly at 8:45 AM.
• Launch Time: The paddle will launch at 10 AM from Riverfront Park in Dickson City.
• Paddle Route: The scenic paddle down the Lackawanna River to Sweeney's Beach is anticipated to take approximately two hours.

What's Included:

Your $50 registration fee includes:

• A commemorative LRCA RiverFest T-shirt and tote bag
• A delicious hoagie
• Offer for discounted LRCA membership

(The above will be available at the LRCA table at Sweeney's Beach after the sojourn.)

• Support for our mission

Event Rules: 

• Please comply with the directives of the safety team.
• The sojourn paddle is not a race. Stay behind the lead boat. 
• No alcohol or drugs. 
• PFDs are required. 
• NO REFUNDS. If you cannot attend, you may contact us by 5 p.m. on the Friday prior to RiverFest to transfer your registration.
  No-shows will be considered a donation. 

Register for the sojourn here!

Post-Paddle Activities at Sweeney's Beach (Noon - 3 PM):

Join us for an afternoon of family-friendly fun at Sweeney's Beach!

• Live Music: Enjoy live entertainment provided by Jeremy Burke from Noon to 3 PM.
• Educational Exhibits: Explore informative and engaging exhibits from partner organizations.
• 28th Annual Duck-a-Thon: Don't miss our exciting Duck-a-Thon fundraiser at 2:30 PM. It's a tradition!
   

Volunteer: This event requires many eager people to volunteer. Please contact the LRCA during office hours, Tuesday - Friday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., at (570)347-6311, or email lrca@lrca.org to register as a volunteer. Thank you!