SCRANTON -- Kayakers and canoers headed to the Lackawanna River for a day of exercise in Scranton.
For some, this part of Lackawanna RiverFest was an entirely new way to experience the area.
"Great day to be on the river, as we were paddling we were discussing how it's a perspective of the valley and the city you usually can't get any other way," said Joe Toczdlowski from Archbald.
Organizers of the 27th annual event said nearly 200 boaters took part in the canoe-a-thon and some remember a day when the river wasn't exactly the place to be.
"Growing up around here you never thought this would have happened. When we were kids this river was a disaster. Smelly, dirty, now we're just talking about how clean the water was," said Bill Brown from Scranton.
"The river is clean it's beautiful, it's a great place to enjoy the valley. It's a great opportunity for the community to get together to appreciate the resource we have here," said Toczdlowski.
To Vince Dixon, of Scranton, the revival of the river is all thanks to a big volunteer effort to get it clean, and keep it clean.
"You can be walking down one day and see a bunch of butterflies hatching, you see an eagle once and a while if you're lucky," said Dixon.
There was also live music, activities and all sorts of ways for the Lackawanna River Corridor Association to continue to carry out its mission.
"Just a whole lot of fun and education it's all to keep that river clean," said Kathleen Searfoss, LRCA Board Secretary.