WILKES-BARRE -- Summer is officially here and for many, they spent the first day of the new season, partying along the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre.
The kick-off of the Wyoming Valley Riverfest was held at the River Common Friday night.
The party on the river was in full swing here at the River Common in Wilkes-Barre.
Dozens of people and their families came out for hours of fun, during the kick-off for the Wyoming Valley Riverfest.
“It`s just a wonderful family friendly event, everything is free, it`s a great time to get everybody together as a community and show the beautiful assets that we have, including the lovely Susquehanna River today,” said Donna Hines of Wilkes-Barre Township.
There were musical acts, food vendors, free family fishing with fishing rods provided.
And there was a theatrical performance for the “Wake the Dragon Boats” ceremony.
Parent Ming Lew had the honor of wearing the big dragon head.
“Oh I love doing this, I just, it`s one of those experiences that as dad you can`t really put into words,” said Lew.
His son wore the little dragon head.
“It`s really fun. This is actually one of my favorite activities. I like to get out the old dragon head and go dancing,” said Oliver Lew.
Riverfest runs through Sunday with plenty of fun events planned on the Susquehanna.
Still organizers of Riverfest say this event may be entertaining but its goal is all about educating.
“First of all our organization, the Riverfront Parks Committee, we`re an environmental educational organization and we consider the parks on both sides of the river in Wilkes-Barre our classroom,” said John Maday, the executive director of the Riverfront Parks Committee.
“It`s neat to be able to see the river really being used, rather than sort of something we drive across the bridges each day and this is really a great time to appreciate it,” said Anne Lew.