WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — The Hiawatha sits in the west branch of the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, awaiting its first sail of the year. Staff are gearing up for the boat's 43rd season, and crews spend four to five weeks preparing to get the boat on the water.
"Captain Darryl and I started working on the boast April 1st, and we actually launched yesterday, May 1st. So, depending on the weather, we've worked on the boat when it's actually been snowing in April, but this year, we didn't have any snow, and we didn't have much rain," said Captain of the Hiawatha Michael Strunk.
Before people can come on the boat, staff members go through crew safety training.
"We do man overboard training, we do fire safety training, the fire company from Williamsport comes, and we do fire extinguisher training, and it's just a good opportunity to make sure everything's working great on the boat," said Strunk.
The season kicks off with a brunch cruise on Mother's Day, where moms can ride for free. A new specialty date night cruise was added this year. Captain Michael Strunk says they are also bringing back Wing Night.
"Some things have already sold out, like our princess parties and superhero parties. Gonna have our craft beer cruises once again; the local bands do rent the boat and have concert nights on the boat, so we pretty much have a full season already."
Starting this month, the Hiawatha will also have a floating classroom with the Middle Susquehanna River Keeper Association. This class will allow kids and adults to learn about the Susquehanna River.
"And keeping it healthy and safe, and Williamsport is a river town, so it plays a vital role in educating our local people to connect to the river," said Strunk.
For tickets and cruise times for the Hiawatha, you can click here.