SUNBURY -- Sunbury's population is expected to grow quite a bit this weekend because of its annual river festival. Organizers say the event brings in thousands.
The Kishbaugh family from Berwick enjoyed some time in the shade Friday while they ate lunch at the Sunbury River Festival. The family says they are camping near Sunbury.
"We take a boat and we drive up by boat from our camper," said Kathy Kishbaugh. "It's nice that they put the stretch in there for the people to dock their boats and stuff now."
The 26th annual Sunbury River Festival is in full swing and even though the live music and water activities don't start until later, people are still enjoying the event.
"This is a perfect time to come because everything is fresh and there isn't much of a crowd. I would encourage everyone to show up. It's a wonderful time," said Jan Baylor of Sunbury.
Baylor and her granddaughter Lauren say they came to the river festival last year and wanted to keep the tradition going.
"We enjoyed the crafts especially so we're searching out the crafts as we go along."
The river is pretty quiet now but later this weekend it will be the focus of certain events like the cardboard boat regatta and new this year, a boat parade.
If you'd rather stay dry you can still come and support various causes.
Mostly Mutts is a no-kill animal shelter near Sunbury. The group has a stand at the river festival.
"Every single penny we raise goes right back to the shelter," said Linda Thomas, Mostly Mutts volunteer. "We have people stuff, we have dog treats, we have clocks, we just got a new supply of t-shirts in."
Admission to the Sunbury River Festival is free. The event runs through Saturday night.